Chapter 7

Everyone at the party was in a panic, running around and yelling. Nnoitora's upset was spreading like wildfire, his anxiety quickly affecting the rest of the group. Nelliel couldn't move. She felt like she was being swallowed back into the past. She couldn't even begin to imagine what Rangiku must be feeling. "Nelliel!" Grimmjow was shaking her, calling her name. She stared up at him. He looked so worried. "Are you okay? Why are you crying?" She couldn't even process the question, her mind fixed on something else. "Nnoitora!" She pushed Grimmjow aside, and was running toward the black haired man. "Where is Rangiku?" She grabbed his wrist, and dragged him to the elevator, Grimmjow right behind her. "I don't know! She told me to leave her alone, and then she ran out of the hotel." He seemed so upset, Nelliel couldn't even bring herself to be upset with him. If he had imprinted on Rangiku, she was sure it was hurting him just as much as it was hurting her.

"Wait!" All three of them whirled around at Sousuke's voice. "Grimmjow, Nnoitora, you can't go outside! It's a full moon tonight, and the moon will be showing any minute!" The two of them stalled, glancing at one another. Without saying a word, they both were running again, and Grimmjow hooked his arm around Nelliel's waist, taking her with them. "What are you doing?!" Sousuke yelled after them. "You'll transform! You won't be able to escape it!" Nelliel glanced around as a few other people were whispering. Nnoitora whirled around, "So what? Rangiku's in trouble! I have to go to her! You wouldn't understand, Sousuke! You don't know how bad it hurts to see someone you love hurting! I don't care if i transform! I don't care if anyone sees me! It doesn't matter if I'm exposed! My Love is hurting! And i have to do everything in my power to help her!"

Grimmjow roared his approval, and fresh tears came to Nelliel's eyes. She had never seen Nnoitora so passionate about anything. Rangiku was in good hands. She looked up at Grimmjow, who was smiling triumphantly. He looked down at her, his sapphire eyes glittering, a sadness in them. "I've never seen you cry like that." He said quietly. "And i don't ever want to see it again. I'll do everything i can to find your friend." His smile widened. "She's one of us now anyway." Nelliel's heart tugged at her. She wished Rangiku was here to see this. These people-these beasts-were the most amazing people she had ever met.

A chorus of different noises rose up from the remaining crowd, and Nelliel watched, wide eyed, as nearly everyone in the room announced their support. Starkk came to stand with Grimmjow and Nnoitora, and winked at Nelliel. "Well, i suppose i can't help it if my comrades are set to getting into some unpleasant business. I guess i'll have to come along and help!" Grimmjow grinned, offering Starkk a fist bump. Nelliel glanced over at Nnoitora. He started crying all over again, a big smile coming to his face. "Thank you, guys." He muttered, wiping the tears from his eyes. "Stop that, Nnoitora. Crying has never suited you." Ulquiorra said, his voice flat, but a small smile on his face. Orihime was at his side, a big smile on her face. "I don't really know what's happening, but i really want to help!" She pumped her fist in the air, grinning. Hallibel laughed, coming to join the expanding group. "Seems like this is quite a different party than what i came here for. But i'm here, aren't i?" Starkk grinned, and pulled her in for a kiss. "You're amazing."

Nelliel was laughing, hope welling up inside of her. This whole thing had escalated far quicker than she ever could have imagined. But her heart went out to Rangiku, wherever she was. Whatever was going through her best friend's head, she didn't have to bear it alone. Nelliel looked around as the party suddenly turned into a rescue mission. Everyone in the room was coming to Rangiku's aid, no questions asked. She smiled. She hoped with everything she had that it would be enough to save Rangiku from the darkness that was threatening to swallow her again. Maybe they could reach her. She swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. They had to. They couldn't afford not to.

They were all gathered in the hotel lobby, everyone talking at once. Nelliel noticed that all the men in the room were having very serious conversation's with their dates. She slid her hand into Grimmjow's. His warm fingers closed around hers, filling her with confidence. She didn't know what she would see once they were out in the moonlight. She had seen glimpses of Grimmjow's other form, but that wasn't enough. He had said there were a few of them that turned into recognizable animals. But he had also said that some of them transformed into strange creatures. She didn't know which one Grimmjow would be. And honestly, she didn't know which one she was hoping for. She just hoped that whatever he was, she didn't reject him. Whatever he turned into. She looked up at him. He looked just as nervous as she felt. He smiled at her, but she could tell he didn't have half the amount of confidence he normally carried. "It'll be okay." She smiled at him, despite the doubts fluttering around in her stomach. It'll be okay. She didn't know if she was telling him, or herself.

"Everybody! Please! Help me!" Nnoitora's voice broke through the confusion, silencing everyone. He was standing at the front of lobby. "We have to find Rangiku! Before anything happens to her!" Nelliel watched as a young man stepped forward, and went to stand by Nnoitora. Nelliel recognized him as the young man who had been tucked into one of the love seats. He looked about Ichigo's age, but something about him made him seem older. His black hair was shaggy over his face, and a long braid fell down to his knees. He play punched Nnoitora as he walked by. "Don't mope so much! You've got all of us! And we're right here to stand by you." He held out his hand to his date, who ran to his side. She was a little shorter than he was, her purple hair pulled into two springy pigtails. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm pretty damn excited to get out there!" He stepped through the hotel doors, and everyone watched, speechless, as his body bathed in the moonlight. He shuddered, keeling over. He fell to his hands and knees, and roared. Nelliel couldn't tell if that was a roar of pain, or excitement. His entire body seemed to be growing, thickening into inhuman muscle. The giant creature almost seemed to explode out of him, it's broad back a good nine feet off of the pavement. It's white fur shone silver in the moonlight, thick black stripes covering its back. It's long tail trashed in excitement. It's massive paws pounded the ground, and it's ears twitched, taking in it's surroundings. Nelliel watched, wide eyed, as the saber toothed tiger turned back toward them. It threw its giant head back, and roared. Nelliel had to cover her ears. The tiger lowered himself, and the boy's date eagerly climbed onto his back. Nelliel smiled. The girl was so accepting. She had to pray she was the same.

"Come on then!" Nnoitora urged them, racing after the young couple. Starkk laughed, shrugged, and ran after them, Hallibel's hand in his. Ichigo walked by, and paused next to Grimmjow. "Let's get 'em." He grinned, giving Grimmjow a fist bump. "Let's go, Rukia." Nelliel shivered at the intensity in the boy's eyes. His date, Rukia, looked just as determined. "Well." Grimmjow rubbed the back of his neck. "Gotta get it over with someday." He gave Nelliel a nervous smile. "Shall we?" She gave him the same nervous smile. "Yeah." She felt his grip on her hand tighten a little as they started walking forward. "Let's get 'em."

Nelliel's heart was pounding in her ears. She'd never felt so unsure about something. She didn't know what to expect. She didn't know how she would react. She didn't know anything! Grimmjow paused at the door. "Close your eyes." He said, taking her hand out of his, and putting it on his shoulder. "Close my eyes?" He glanced back at her. "Please." Her heart jumped in her chest. He almost sounded...scared. She closed her eyes as he led her forward. She felt him shudder underneath her hand. The muscles in his back shivered, and shifted, changing into something else. He seemed to get shorter, his height shrinking out from under him. She felt his clothes tear, and soft fur was suddenly under her hand. Something thin wrapped around her leg, and she felt an animal brush against her leg. She heard a small purr as he leaned against her hip, nudging her. She opened her eyes, and looked down at him. Her breath caught in her throat, and she just stared. Her heart was hammering inside of her, and she smiled. The sleek, black panther was staring upwards, Grimmjow's sky blue eyes sparkling out at her. She breathed a sigh of relief. She could see him. She could see Grimmjow there. And she didn't feel like screaming. Or running. She didn't feel any different. It was still Grimmjow. He was a beast, yes. But not a monster. And in that sense, he wasn't any different. She laughed, and reached forward, running her fingers over the top of his head. He closed his eyes, and leaned into her, purring. She scratched behind his ears, and he shook his head. He made a sort of face that she could see his smile. She smiled, and lightly kissed his forehead. He was still Grimmjow. He was still the person she loved. Whether he was a cat. Or a human.

If Grimmjow had been human, he would have kissed her. She wasn't scared. Not at all. In fact-she was just petting him. He purred, and his long tail lashed, wrapping around her leg. She giggled a little, and scratched behind his ear again. Jaggerjack! Let's go! Grimmjow flinched as the voice yelled in his head. When they were in their beast forms, their minds linked together, allowing for a telepathic network they used to communicate. Grimmjow could sort of understand the other cat-like creatures if they actually tried to talk to him, but most of them were just too different. Grimmjow turned toward the one who had yelled. The coyote's dark brown fur, and grey eyes were unmistakably Starkk. The beast matched Grimmjow's height and length, but Grimmjow was a little but thicker. Starkk was faster, but Grimmjow was stronger.

Both turned as a shadow spread over them. Ulquiorra landed in a crouch, cradling Orihime in his arms. His body itself didn't transform that much, he just grew a few extra body parts. Horns, that were about the length of his forearm, curved up out of his black hair, his golden-green eyes glowing in the night. His massive black wings folded behind him, his long, whiplike tail twitching impatiently. His arms and legs were covered in sleek, black fur, that led into long claws at his fingers and toes. He set Orihime down, and turned toward them. "Nnoitora's already set off in a hurry. One of you should go with him, because he can't track her scent." He was talking out loud, but Grimmjow could hear him in his head. I'll go. I know her scent well. Grimmjow volunteered. Ulquiorra nodded, "Then Starkk, you should head out with another group that doesn't have a tracker with them." The coyote nodded, and ran off. Grimmjow glanced back at Nelliel. What about her? She'll want to get to Rangiku as soon as she's found. But she can't run with us. Ulquiorra glanced over at her. "I can carry her. I'll bring her to whoever finds her first." Grimmjow thought about it for a moment. It was the only way. He nodded. Tell her then. He gave Nel one last look, then ran off.

Nelliel sat on a bench, her hands clasped un front of her face. The pale, black haired man had told her he would take her to Rangiku as soon as she was found. It had already been an hour, and there was nothing. She was getting more worried by the minute. Where could Rangiku have gone? "It seems she has been found." Nelliel jumped at the pale man's voice. "She has? Where?" She got to her feet. "I'm not sure. Starkk's giving me directions now. Come on." He stepped toward her, and wrapped his arms around her waist. It felt a little strange to be this close to someone who wasn't Grimmjow, but she knew he didn't mean anything by it. So she wrapped her arms around his neck as he leapt off the ground. She could feel the same strength from Ulquiorra that Grimmjow possessed. That beast-like power.

They traveled high over the city, and Nelliel had to struggle to see anything in the streets below. "There they are." Ulquiorra suddenly dropped severly, making Nelliel's stomach flip. Flying was something she had to get used to. Suddenly, Ulquiorra's wings whipped out, jerking them both. "You're kidding me!" Nelliel was concerned at the emotion in the man's voice. He never sounded so excited. "What's wrong?" She looked around, trying to see what gotten the man so nervous. "Look up there!" He tried to point to the top of a tall building. She did look. "Oh my god."

Rangiku was standing on the corner of the roof, tear streaks down her cheeks. "Rangiku!" Nelliel reached for her best friend, despite being a good twenty feet away. "Rangiku, what are you doing?!" Rangiku's blue eyes opened, staring out at nothing. "Nelliel." She said the word so flatly, all emotion gone from her voice. "Giku, what are you doing?! What are you thinking? It can't be that bad!" Something in the ginger's face flashed. "Not that bad? You have no idea!" She was crying again, and Nelliel could hear the despair in her voice. "Rangiku, whatever happened, it's done! It wasn't your fault! It's over with! You can forget it! You have so much more now! You can move on!" Rangiku just glared. "Move on? Move on to what? Nnoitora made me think i could forget. He made me feel like i could move on. But i can't escape! I can't ever forget what i've done! Even Nnoitora has brought me back to what i wanted so bad to forget! I can't ever move on! I can't escape this!" Nelliel's heart broke apart at her friends words. She couldn't even begin to imagine what Rangiku must be feeling. "You don't have to escape! You can start to heal! Nnoitora is here for you! I am too! You're not alone! There's so many people who want to help you! We're all here for you!" Rangiku just stood, unmoving. "All here?" She said, tears running down her face again. "For me?" Nelliel nodded. "All of us! You're not alone! Rangiku, you've never been alone." Hope swelled in her chest as a small smile split the ginger's face. "You all came for me?" She laughed a little, covering her mouth as new tears touched her skin. Nelliel brushed a tear away too. She hadn't even realized she had been crying. Maybe. Just maybe. They could save Rangiku.

"Oh no!" Nelliel jumped at Ulquiorra's voice at her ear. "What's wrong?" Ulquiorra was borderline panicking, his tail twitching nervously. "Ulquiorra, what's wrong?!" Nelliel was getting nervous too. A deafening clap of thunder answered her question. Rain soon followed, starting to pour down faster than Nelliel thought possible. "Rangiku, get away from the edge!" She screamed, motioning for her friend to back up. Rangiku was covering her eyes, looking out at them. "What?" She yelled back. Nelliel only barely hear her. Oh no. "Get away from the edge!" Rangiku seemed to understand, and started to take a step back. But her stiletto heels made her shaky on the wet surface, and Nelliel could feel the scream building up in her throat as she watched Rangiku slip, and fall. The world seemed to move in slow motion as Rangiku's face twisted in fear, and she reached out to Nelliel. Ulquiorra dove toward her, and Nelliel managed to grab her wrist. But the rain had done it's damage, and she slipped out of Nelliel's grip. Nelliel was screaming as she watched her best friend fall away from her. She knew Rangiku was screaming too, but she couldn't hear her. She couldn't hear anything. This had to be a dream. This couldn't be happening! "RANGIKU!" Her throat seemed to tear as the scream ripped out of her. Tears mixed with rain and fell away from her. No! Please, no!

The world snapped back to normal as a roar reached her through the storm. A roar she would recognize anywhere. Ulquiorra was spiraling back toward the ground, so Nelliel could easily see the black panther crouching on the asphalt. What was he thinking? The massive sabertooth was beside him, the two of them ready for something. Suddenly, Grimmjow leapt onto the sabertooth's back, then leapt into the air, straight toward Rangiku. Nelliel watched, wide eyed, as he changed in mid air, suddenly a human again. He crashed against Rangiku, wrapping his arms around her as they fell the other direction. He spun them around, holding her tight. Right before they hit the ground, he threw her back up into the air, then slammed into the pavement. He rolled a bit, and crashed into a car, collapsing on the asphalt. Nnoitora was right there, and wrapped around Rangiku, pulling her up into his embrace. "Rangiku! Grimmjow!" She yelled as Ulquiorra set her feet on the ground. She ran toward them, praying they were both okay. Nnoitora was already with Rangiku, helping her stand up. She looked a little shaken, but otherwise alright. Thank god.

But Grimmjow wasn't moving. Starkk was next to him, checking his pulse. "Is he okay?" She asked, falling to her knees at his side. "Well, he's alive. But i don't know if he's alright or not." Nelliel couldn't breathe. "Grimmjow?" She took his hand, brushing his wet hair off of his face. Part of his head looked pretty badly scraped up, and his right arm was bent at a weird angle. "Grimmjow, please. Please be okay." She couldn't tell if her eyes were blurry from tears or from the rain. "Grimmjow." She leaned forward, and kissed his forehead. She didn't know what she would do if he didn't wake up. She rested her forehead on his, and cried, begging him to be okay. It seemed like forever, just sitting. Waiting for him to open his eyes. But he didn't. He just sat there, unmoving. Nelliel's heart was breaking more and more with every second. She didn't think she would be able to bear it. She couldn't survive if he wasn't there. The rain pelted her back, soaking her hair, and making her shiver from the cold. But she didn't move. She just waited. "Nel, we need to go back inside." Nnoitora's voice interrupted her thoughts. "We'll get Aizen to look at him. But it might not be any good." Nelliel ignored him. "That was a bad fall, and he was in his human form..." "Shut up!" She snapped back at him. "Don't say another word." She could feel the tears on her cheeks, but she felt too numb to actually cry. "If you want to go, then go." She turned back to the still form, and held his hand even tighter. "Nel-" Rangiku's voice was soft, and she felt her friend's hand on her shoulder. Rangiku knelt by her side, and wrapped her arms around Nelliel's waist. "It's okay, Nel."

Nelliel's heart was pounding in her ears. She couldn't think. She couldn't move. Tears stung her eyes, but she blinked them away. She felt like an abyss was opening in front of her, inviting her in. If she started crying now, she'd never been able to stop. She couldn't believe it. Did she have to choose? Her best friend, or the man she loved? Was this some kind of exchange? Was it too much to have both? Was she too happy? That she had to lose something? Why? Why?! "Nelliel, you can get through this." She barely heard Rangiku say. Her eyes were glazed over. She stared without seeing, the world going dark. "You can move on." Move on? Move on to what? If Grimmjow died, her heart died with him. She would never be able to move on. Never again. "You're not alone."

You're not alone. The words echoed deep inside of her, the voice behind them cutting deep into the darkness. She blinked. That voice. That beautiful voice, that wrapped her up in so much comfort. That had told her I Love You. She stared at him. He stared back. "You won't ever be alone." He said quietly. She could feel fresh tears building up in her eyes. His sapphire eyes swallowed her up, bathing her in light. She reached up, and wiped a tear away. "You." She bit her lip to stop from bursting out crying. "You. Idiot!" She threw her arms around his neck, squeezing him as tightly as she could. "Don't you ever do that to me again!" He laughed a little, and slid his arm around her waist. "Thank you." She whispered. "Thank you so much." She closed her eyes, just letting his warmth spread through her.

"Alright! Alright! Don't kill me!" He lightly pushed her off of him, laughing. "Got to get me to a hospital, and set this thing." He motioned to his crooked arm. Nelliel shooke her head, laughing. "You idiot." She said again. Grimmjow smiled, and leaned toward her. "I love you." And he kissed her, warm and gentle. Something she had been afraid she would never feel again. But he was here. And he was alive. And she couldn't think of a better date then that. "I love you too."