Orihime was thrown back in time mentally when she woke up in Las Notches. The only things that kept her grounded was having Rukia and Ishida with her as her personal guards. In fact Rukia wouldn t leave Orihime s side for any reason; including sleeping in the same room.
Ulquiorra proved to be a gracious host giving them a tour of Las Notches; explaining what everything was and how it worked after breaking fast together in the common room that once was Aizen s meeting hall for the Espada s.
This place brought back bad memories for all of them but Ishida and Rukia were determined not to let it get to them as they accompanied Orihime. The other inhabitants were introduced by names not status so it is unclear whether they are also Espada class or something else.
The newest addition to Las Notches is an arena used specifically for sparing while others watch, cheer and inevitably place bets. It is a perfectly circular structure that could easily seat thousands all at once in the bleacher seats. It had an open roof and two entrances; one for the spectators and the other for the contestants. The size alone made that particular building stand out from the rest.
During their tour Ulquiorra took them through places that once were villages and towns now dead and dormant. "These were filled with people before Aizen came. Once Aizen sent those like Nnoritra out in search of Vasto Lordes who were covetous of their positions; they decided to kill all with no regard because they feared loosing their status. I think it amused Aizen to see the many ways one could destroy entire villages and towns."
Orihime was shocked by the devastation of so many communities. Ishida and Rukia were shocked by how closely their world actually resembled all others. They were being given the chance to see first hand a side of Hueco Mundo no one had ever been privy to before. No one knew these people actually lived in dwellings within communities like within the Soul Society and in the world of the living.
Ulquiorra spoke proudly of their accomplishments " To keep this from occurring again messages are sent inviting others to participate in the tournaments within the arena where I may sit and gauge the possibilities. Those I believe can grow further is offered to become part of our military force and are trained in combat protocol and procedures."
It was mid day by the time they d returned to their quarters in Las Notches. " I have some business to attend to. Feel free to go anywhere you like, you will not be harmed or hampered in any way. I shall rejoin you for the evening nutriments." Ulquiorra said with a slight bow to Orihime before he turned and walked away.
Rukia had the strangest feeling she was watching a King walk away as she watched Ulquiorra leave. Fact was Ulquiorra reminded Rukia of her brother, Byakuya in his calm ways and intellectual intelligence. Everything about this strange man said power.
Ishida watched Ulquiorra with mixed feelings. He d seen that man at his vicious worse and now he is seeing him at his best; it was a major contrast. Was Ulquiorra always like this? We were the invaders back then; not guests like we are now. Ishida thought to himself.
Captain Kuchiki showed no emotion as he, Ichigo, Captain Hitsugaya, Vice Captain Matsumoto and Chad made their way through a Garganta to the inner sanctum of Las Notches. His pace was one of purpose his countenance set; he has a duty to perform and a mission to accomplish; no matter how grim this seems he has his orders.
They were met on the other side by Grimmjow. "Welcome back to Hueco Mundo. You ll find many changes since the last time you d been here. "He boasted then turned " Follow me, Ulquiorra s been expecting you."
They quietly followed Grimmjow. Ichigo, Chad and Vice Captain Matsumoto looked around as they followed but Captain Kuchiki; while aware of his surroundings didn t look in any direction but straight a head to their destination. The place looked neat, clean and orderly.
The inhabitants stopped and stared as the group passed by. Ichigo didn t remember seeing so many Arrancars lurking around the last time he d been here. Where did all of this come from? Was all of this here before? I didn t see people milling about like this. This is more like a large village and people where did they all come from?
Chad was just as astounded as Ichigo as he looked at the various shops they passed full of what appeared to be Arrancars of various shapes and sizes; yet they acted like normal human beings out shopping or for a stroll. There even appeared to be entire families walking around.
As they continued to walk toward a tall building Ichigo recognized all too well the inhabitants could be heard talking; one young Arrancar caught even the attention of Captain Kuchiki." Hey dad, are they that princesses family? Do you think our King will make her our Queen; she really is nice?"
Although Captain Kuchiki didn t turn his head he looked with his eyes at the child, man and several others that stopped to watch their procession." I can t say I d be happy to have a human for a Queen but she is kind; and I must admit beautiful." A female replied. "Looking at that guy walking there, he s beautiful enough to be her brother think he is? " Another from the crowed speculated.
Captain Kuchiki thought about stopping and setting those people straight but his mission took precedence. How ignorant! Someone needs to set these people straight. That human is not a princess and certainly no relation to me.
Ulquiorra was taking care of some local business when they arrived and waited for Ulquiorra to finish before announcing their presence. Announcements were unnecessary considering Ulquiorra felt and tracked their progress from the moment they entered Hueco Mundo.
Just as they stepped forward Orihime, Rukia and Ishida entered the room as well. Orihime; Ichigo and Chad whispered gruffly as she entered flanked on either side. The sight of Orihime made Captain Kuchiki feel as if he d eaten his earlier thoughts with bitter rye.
Orihime was wearing an exquisite gown of white with a black sash accompanied with a long flowing cape that was white on the outside and black inside. It was very similar to the white outfit she d worn the last time she was in Hueco Mundo; only this one was an actual gown that flowed about her lending an impression that she floated as she walked.
Orihime had never thought of herself as anything but ordinary in comparison with others, which is why their stunned expressions took Orihime by surprise. "What s wrong. did something happen?"
Ishida and Rukia thought they understood their confusion since they had experienced similar reactions after Orihime dressed. Even Rukia admitted to herself that for all of Orihime being a human she has regal qualities that came natural some how." I think they re just happy to see you alive and well Orihime, isn t that right Ichigo?" Rukia said sternly bringing everyone out of their stupor.
Ichigo still mesmerized by the sight of the vision before him answered as if in automatic mode. " Yes very happy " he said then cleared his throat and said with a stronger voice as he finally got hold of himself " It s good to see all three of you safe." The fact Ichigo hadn t looked away from Orihime as he addressed the three of them didn t go unnoticed.
Captain Kuchiki immediately took charge of the situation by getting straight to the point which now caused mixed feelings within him self. That was disconcerting in itself since he never allowed feelings to get in his way for any reason." Inoue Orihime I have been ordered to bring you to the Soul Society immediately." He said addressing Orihime.
Ulquiorra quickly stepped to Orihime s side before speaking." You can t possibly believe Orihime would be safer there then she is here. this is outrageous but not completely unexpected." He looked down on Captain Kuchiki " I won t let you put her in danger Shinigami."
Ulquiorra s voice turned deadly; a tone Orihime, Ishida and Ichigo recognized all too well. Before anyone could say a word or make a move Orihime turned to face Ulquiorra." Ulquiorra, I know you are trying to protect me, but it s alright. I trust the Soul Society with my life as I have learned to trust you here."
Orihime took a deep breath before continuing. " Ulquiorra, you have done wonders here. Your people need you and She shook her head; I don t want these people to suffer because of me anymore then I d want the people of Karakura Town to suffer." She paused to look him directly in the eyes. " You asked me to trust you, now I m asking you to trust my friends as I trust them."
Orihime turned to look at Chad, Ishida and the Soul Reapers standing before her, then took the few steps to stand before Captain Kuchiki " If this man was sent by the Soul Society to take me there to be safe it is because they believe they can handle the situation. They have been my friends for a while now, and I must believe in my friends; so I m asking you to believe with me Ulquiorra."
With that last part of her statement Orihime turned again to face Ulquiorra. His face was as expressionless as Captain Kuchiki s until he closed his eyes briefly. Captain Kuchiki saw the rage within the man, it was a brief flicker but it was there. When Ulquiorra opened his eyes again the look seemed sad." If that is your wish Orihime, but know this; I will come to you the moment I know you re in trouble and I will kill anyone that stands in my way."
Ulquiorra said that last as his gaze slid toward Captain Kuchiki before looking straight at Ichigo." Kurosaki Ichigo, I hold you personally responsible for Orihime s safety."
Captain Kuchiki s stance became rigid at Ulquiorra s blatant disregard of his authority in this situation. "As the Captain in charge I will see to it Inoue Orihime will come to no harm." He said stiffly making it quite clear who was in charge.
Ulquiorra spared Captain Kuchiki a brief glance then returned his attention to Ichigo." I trust I ve made myself clear Kurosaki Ichigo. "His voice was one that brooked no arguments.
Ichigo chuckled " I tore this place apart and took you on to protect her didn t I? What makes you think I would stop now? Protecting my friends is why I have these powers."
Captain Kuchiki was quietly thoughtful all the way to the Soul Society as he reflected on what took place in Hueco Mundo. The fact that Inoue Orihime was quietly walking behind him at a respectful distance while the others engaged in constant conversation that at times became quite lively didn t escape his notice either.
Orihime s words kept ringing through Byakuya s head like a bell I must believe in my friends. Which friends did she mean? Did she think Kurosaki Ichigo, Uryuu Ishida and Chad can keep her from what is going to come? Was she referring to the Soul Society? If she knew what the Captain Commander had planned would she still have said those words?
Heads turned when they arrived in the Soul Society. Some that had worked with them in the world of the living were in awe of the procession as Captain Kuchiki and his party made their way to the Captain Commander. Others speculated on whose royal family the lady with the captain belonged to. By the time they reached the Captain Commander s office rumors of an unknown royal princess in the company of Captain Kuchiki circulated the entire Seireitei.
The Captain Commander looked up from his desk upon their entry and unexpectedly stood before them as Captain Kuchiki bowed his head and began to speak." As ordered..."
The Captain Commander cut off the rest of Captain Kuchiki s speech." Inoue Orihime It has been decided for the safety of the world of the living, the safety of the Soul Society and for your own safety that you are to immediately be placed in solitary confinement."
At the precise moment the Captain Commander ended his pronouncement of sentence she was surrounded by the Stealth Force and stood face to face with Soifon; the Captain of the Stealth Force.
Ichigo, Ishida and Chad immediately began to move toward Orihime." Wait a minute!" Ichigo shouted as he moved. "You can t just imprison someone like that; what the hell?"
Soifon motioned with her hands and the three found themselves surrounded." Take one more step and you ll be dead." She told them coldly.
Orihime turned toward them " No; it s alright. Please don t; I couldn t bear it if you got killed because of this. It ll be alright. It ll be like a vacation." She giggled her usual laugh. " Really it ll be alright. "Then she turned back toward Soifon and nodded." I m ready."
Within the blink of an eye Orihime and the entire Stealth Force disappeared. Rukia turned toward Byakuya " Brother, you knew about this." It was not a question but an accusation. She watched as her brother silently turned and walked from the room without even glancing in her direction. His silence spoke volumes.
Ichigo, Ishida and Chad stood in stunned silence until Byakuya got to the door way and it was Ichigo that found his voice first. "You bastard! She trusted you, we all did!"
Rukia was shocked at the anger in Ichigo s voice as he spoke to her brother " Ichigo!"
Ichigo wouldn t take his eyes from Byakua s back as he ignored Rukia " You re a damn coward Byakuya!" He shouted loudly.
Rukia slapped Ichigo " How dare you talk to my brother that way."
Ichigo backed away from Rukia and leveled her with a hateful glare " What Rukia can t handle the truth? What he did was take a cowards way, and if you want to side with him go a head go run to your coward of a brother! I never want to lay eyes on that bastard again."
Ichigo glanced at the Captain Commander " You can go to hell too old man." He turned and left with Ishida and Chad right behind him; leaving a stunned Rukia standing alone.
