Ulquiorra said he was taking me back to my room/cell, but I soon realize we're making a detour. I recognize that we took a different turn, and my stomach sinks as a set of looming double doors come into view. Raising a pale hand, Ulquiorra knocks loudly on the door, not even bothering to look back at me and explain what the hell we're doing here in the first place. But I know one thing for sure, this doesn't feel good.
"Come in," a smooth male voice responds, and I feel bile rising up into my throat. I don't want to see him again, I don't even want to be in the same god damn room as him. In a moment of panic I glance down the other end of the corridor, my legs willing me to scarper, and fast.
"I do not think so," Ulquiorra calmly tells me as he grabs onto my upper arm, using his other hand to push open the doors. I squirm in his grip, bringing a hand up to pry at his cold fingers.
"Get off me you son of a bitch!" I hiss, but as usual he doesn't give me any kind of reaction, just hauls me into the room. Inside the room isn't the usual throne room, there's no huge pillars or anything like that. There's a white throne (no surprise there), but it's only resting on a slightly elevated platform, not like the one in that other huge room. There is an open view of the vast sands of Hueco Mundo displayed around the back of the room, and it's both eerie and serene at the same time. Aizen is currently sitting on the white throne and staring back at me, a smirk playing on his lips as he watches me trying to thrash out of Ulquiorra's grip.
"My my, you sure are feelin feisty today," another voice chuckles, and I see that someone else is present, stood off to one side. Purple hair frames his pale face, his eyes squinted shut with a wide smirk on his face. I've seen him before, but only in passing glances. I don't even know his name.
"You can release her, Ulquiorra," Aizen smiles, and the tight grip on my arm is gone. I quickly put some distance between myself and the pale bastard. Not out of fear that he's going to grab hold of me again, but I'm worried I'm going to do something I may regret.
"You may wait outside, Ulquiorra, I have a few things I must discuss with Miss Laterlli."
Ulquiorra swiftly bows and exits the room, the doors closing behind him. So basically, no way out for me now. Unless of course, I try to dive off Las Noches.
"How are you feeling today, Katerina?" Aizen asks, that damn irritating smile never leaving his lips. Oh I'm just fine and dandy, Lord Aizen, now that I've been labelled as a traitor by my friends and I'm being held captive against my will, I'm just awesome. Why don't we have a tea party too while we're fucking at it?
Feeling my temper getting the better of me, I inhale deeply to try and calm myself before I answer. I'm not a moron, I know Aizen is much stronger than me, and without my Zanpakuto, I'd be just like a lamb to the slaughter if I attempt to get violent with him.
"I'm fine," I grit out, digging my nails into the skin of my palm as a welcome distraction.
"That is good to hear, I was worried you would not be settling in very well, especially with your roommate."
Oh I bet you were real worried you smug son of a bitch. Well you know what? Two can play this fucking game.
"Oh please, there's nothing to worry about. Your Espada may be strong Aizen, but I can handle them," I beam, and feel triumphant when I notice his smile falter. I suppose the almighty lord doesn't like when his hand-picked army is taken lightly, hmm? Tough shit. Although I am glad Grimmjow isn't here to hear that, he'd definitely be mega pissed at that comment.
"I see. In that case, maybe a higher ranked Espada is needed to keep you company. Nnoitra Gilga, perhaps?"
Oh shit, oh shit. His smile is back and even bigger, so I know he's playing games with me. Damnit, not that creepy piano toothed guy. God knows what would happen…
I shake the train of thought away, keeping the fake smile on my face.
"Oh no, there's no need to do something like that, staying with Grimmjow is probably best, since he hasn't tried to kill me or anything like that."
Aizen sinks back into his throne, chuckling lightly.
"Well I suppose we wouldn't want to risk your well-being, not when you will prove to be such an asset for us in the war against the soul reapers."
"In fact, the reason I sent for you to be brought here is because I wish to offer you some of my trust, Katerina."
Hold on, what? I frown, the fake smile dropping from my face. What the heck does that mean, some of his trust? Out of the corner of my eye I see that purple haired guy start to move towards me, and I tense up.
"There's no need to worry, Gin will not hurt you," Aizen assures me as Gin stops only a step short of me, fishing for something in his white robe. I watch as he produces a key, and he reaches up to brush my red hair to one side. I let him, although the gesture makes me very uncomfortable, and I hear the collar around my neck click, then fall to the floor with a loud clatter. I stare down at it as Gin moves my hair back and steps back from me.
"W-What is this?" I mutter, my brain finding it hard to process what just happened. Why would he take it off? Why now? A heavy uneasiness seeps into me.
"I think it is time I give you a little more…leeway, so to speak. I realize that keeping you bound and confined is only making you loathe me and my Espada. I am willing to give you some freedom, as long as you are willing to abide by the rules."
I nudge at the collar with the tip of my boot, just to make sure it's really there, that it's really off. But Aizen's explanation is bullshit, even I know that. He must be up to something, but I have no idea what. He's an extremely clever individual (though I hate to even think that), I know he wouldn't just all of a sudden consider giving me leeway to change my damn mind. He knows I won't change it, no matter what he allows or doesn't allow.
"You're not worried I'm going to start fighting with your soldiers?" I ask.
"Not at all. I am aware of the incident that occurred when you first arrived here, but I was also informed that you were merely defending yourself." Ah yeah, those two idiots. I haven't seen them again since, I wonder if Aizen really did execute them?
"What about my Zanpakuto?" I know I'm pushing it, but hey, I might as well ask.
Aizen side glances at Gin, who reaches inside his robe and brings out Lezinga. My eyes widen, and I stare from Aizen to Lezinga.
"Your Zanpakuto is also being returned to you."
Okay, now I'm really freaking out. He's just going to give me all of my power back out of the blue, and expect me not to use it against him and his men? Either he's had a mental breakdown within the past couple of hours, or he's scheming (which is much more likely, he's a manipulative asshole by nature).
Gin holds Lezinga out to me, and I gingerly grasp her, sure that he's going to tug it back at the last minute yelling 'haha you sure fell for that one!' But he doesn't, he just allows me to take her. I welcome the feeling of her sheath in my hand, and I feel like a part of me has finally been returned. I never like being apart from her, after all, we're one. My eyes flicker up to Aizen, and his expression hasn't changed one bit. I can't even tell what he's thinking right now.
"Why?"
"I told you, I am entrusting you with some freedom, and I believe you will use it wisely."
As he rises from his throne, Gin backs away, heading back towards the other side of the room, and I get nervous all over again. Aizen makes his way towards me, and when he reaches me, he brings a hand up to caress the side of my cheek. I consider using Lezinga to cut the offending appendage off, but I know that would be impossible, since he's probably expecting me to rebel against the unwanted touch anyway. I will myself to keep still, my hands clenching Lezinga.
"I know that you hate me, and that you do not trust me," he whispers, his thumb now rubbing against my skin, in what I assume is supposed to be an affectionate gesture. I just don't get why he's doing it. I keep my mouth shut, not sure of what to say, because well, he's right on the money there. I do hate him, and I sure as hell wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him.
"Am I really so evil because I wish to change the natural order of things, to make them better?" He continues, and I have no idea what he's talking about. What natural order? Make what better?
When I still choose not to reply, he laughs under his breath, then turns away from me, striding back to his throne.
"You may leave now, Ulquiorra will guide you back to your room."
Well, this was a mind spinner. Not wanting to wait another second longer for fear he'll change his mind, I head for the door and grasp the handle, tugging it open with a forceful pull. Surprisingly, it's not as heavy as it looks. Or maybe it's not because I've finally got all my lovely spiritual pressure flowing back through me. Once outside the door I close it, leaning back against it with a genuine grin on my face.
"You have been given your freedom back," a cold voice states, and I turn to my left to see Ulquiorra evenly staring back at me.
"Gold star for you, figuring that out all by yourself," I smirk, and his eyes narrow in irritation. Jeez, he really needs to not take everything I say so seriously, he might give himself a heart attack.
"I will guide you back to your room- "
"No need," I say as I hold my hand up, stopping his words.
"There is every need, you cannot just roam around here freely- "
"Yes, I can, otherwise Aizen wouldn't have taken the collar off," I interrupt him.
"Do you even remember the way back to your quarters?" Wow, I believe I just got some sass back from the living statue.
"Yes, I do, I'm not an idiot," I scowl, and Ulquiorra sighs, turning away from me.
"Then do as you wish."
I watch him head off towards the left end of the corridor, and I secure Lezinga at my side, using the silky red material that trails off from her sheath to tie around my waist and keep her in place. I know the way back…don't I? It's a right, then a left, then…. another left? I shrug, pushing away from the door and heading down to opposite end of the huge white corridor. I'll get back eventually anyway, and now that I have Lezinga and no more collar around my neck, I'm not just a vulnerable little girl being led around this place. I can hold my own again.
I take a right, then a left as I thought, and then come to a spilt off of four corridors. Shit, I don't remember this at all. I stare down them as far as I can see, but none of them have any discernable differences. You'd think they'd at least have a sign dotted here and there, I mean, how can the other Espada not get lost at times? I lean back against the nearest wall, my hand absently fiddling with Lezinga's hilt. I could retrace my steps, but that would just lead me back to that other throne room, and I really don't feel like bumping into Aizen again anytime soon.
Being lost in my thoughts, I don't realize the 'wall' behind me slides open, and I flail, trying to keep my balance, but failing miserably. I land with a hard thump on my ass, and before I can even register what the heck is happening the section of 'wall' slides closed in front of me again. I quickly glance behind me. I'm in a wide, open room, bright sterile lights hanging overhead. It has the feel of some sort of hospital room, but on a much larger scale. I get to my feet, rubbing at my sore ass. That actually hurt, the flooring really doesn't offer a soft landing. Might even leave a bruise.
Anyway, more important matters, Katerina. Where the heck am I? I hear another sliding noise, and see another section of what looked like wall slide open a few feet away, revealing a head of vibrant pink hair, and I know immediately who it is.
"Szayel?"
Szayel smiles back at me, a gloved hand reaching up to tuck a few stray strands of hair back behind his ear.
"Oh, you remember my name? I am glad to hear that."
As he takes a few steps closer, a feeling of uncertainty starts to bubble up in my chest. Why am I in here? Why did he bring me in here? Flash images of Frankenstein's monster flash in my head. No, he wouldn't experiment on me, right? I mean, at least not without Aizen's permission?
"There's no need to get so worked up my dear, I have no intention of harming you."
"Then why am I here?" I ask, my voice a lot less shaky than I'm currently feeling.
"I observed you wandering around outside of my quarters, much like a little lost kitten, and I thought you could use some assistance."
"I'm not lost," I blurt out, although yeah, I really am. It's just for some reason admitting I'm out of my depth to an Espada seems like I'm making myself vulnerable. He only smiles back at me again, a gloved hand gesturing to the open section of wall he just appeared out of.
"If you could please follow me, I will be more than happy to show you directions back to your own quarters."
I glance at the open section of wall, then back over my shoulder, wishing the one that I'd fell through was still open.
"That's okay…I'll be fine if you just open this one back up," I laugh nervously, tapping at the wall behind me.
"You are a very cautious creature, which in this domain is a very good quality. But I assure you, I have no intention of disobeying Lord Aizen's orders not to harm you," Szayel tries to reassure me, that damn smile never leaving his lips. I still want to say no, want to bang on this damn wall until it caves in and I can scramble back out, but logic tells me that's not going to happen. If I just keep my wits about me, I'll be fine, I reassure myself, and slowly make my way towards the open section of wall. My anxiety spikes as I pass Szayel, but he doesn't make any sharp movements, and it calms back down again. I don't especially enjoy having my back to him as I enter the darker room through the wall, but my senses tell me that he's not planning on doing anything.
This room is quite different to the other one. Only a few low white lights cling to the walls, and it's much smaller and compact in size. Flashing control panels and slim monitors line one side of the room, displaying various views of corridors. A high-backed chair is in front of the mid-section of the screens, a tall figure leaning back in it. As the door slides shut behind Szayel, the chair swings this way, and my heart hammers in my chest as Nnoitra comes into view in the dim lighting.
"Ah, so ya went and rescued the lost lil kitty Szayel?" Nnoitra snickers, his bony fingers tapping on the sides of the chair. I stay frozen to the spot, not wanting to move any closer. I can't see any obvious exits either, unless more of the wall opens up somewhere.
"It was rather worrying to watch her, so I thought it best to bring her here and give her directions back to her own quarters," Szayel states, moving past me and over to one set of the monitors on the far left. I keep one of my hands on Lezinga's hilt, my eyes focused on the grinning Nnoitra.
"So Aizen gave ya yer sword back, eh? Does that mean yer joining us for real now?"
"No, it doesn't," I reply, my mouth suddenly feeling like the Sahara desert.
Nnoitra shrugs, his lone eye quickly looking me up and down.
"Guess it don't really matter, yer not stupid enough to try anythin funny. But I am surprised Grimmjow let his bitch walk around on her own."
The word stings at my pride like a raging wasp, and before I know what I'm doing, I close the distance between myself and Nnoitra, looming over him in the chair.
"You should watch your mouth. I may not be stupid enough to attack Aizen but I'll sure as hell rip you a new one if you carry on," I hiss venomously. Wow, where the heck did that bravery come from? I see his eye narrow and his smirk drop, and he pushes himself up from the chair, now towering over me instead.
"Ya really think ya have the power to threaten me? Maybe I should rip out ya filthy lil tongue right here, right now," he growls, and the tension in the room skyrockets.
"Enough, enough, there will be none of that in my quarters," Szayel warns, staring back at Nnoitra.
"Why are ya just tellin me? She's the one who started makin threats."
"Me? Oh, you fucking piano toothed- "
A slender gloved hand clamps over my mouth, and Szayel is now behind me, flush against my back.
"That is enough from the both of you, I have no time to be dealing with ridiculous in-fighting. Nnoitra, it is best if you leave, we will carry on our discussion later."
A tense silence follows, Nnoitra glaring down at me, as if he's contemplating ignoring Szayel and starting a fist fight anyway. Hell, if that's what he wants I'd only be too happy to oblige him. I smirk, almost daring him to do it.
"Tch, whatever, I got better things to do," Nnoitra finally huffs, turning away and striding towards the bare section of wall opposite from which me and Szayel just entered. I watch as he lifts a bony hand and presses it against the wall, the piece of wall sliding open with ease, and he ducks his head and leaves. Only when the wall closes does Szayel release me, and I rub the sleeve of my jacket across my mouth. It's probably a good thing he shut me up though, I was about to say something that I'm certain would have started a physical confrontation.
Well, time to get out of here already, this place is giving me the creeps. It gives off the feel of a lab or a doctor's office, and I hate both of those places.
"I'm afraid I don't have the time to escort you back myself, but I can give you a simple break down of directions for you to follow to get back, just be careful to avoid Nnoitra on the way there. I believe he is in the mood for a fight, as I'm sure you can also tell," Szayel sighs apologetically, and he gestures for me to step over to the monitors with him. I follow, and listen as he begins to gesture and press a few dials, which switches the camera view on one of the screens.
"When you exit out of the door that Nnoitra just left through, you are to take a right, and then you will come to a two-way split, and you are to go left, and then right again. That will take you to a long corridor, and at the end of that there will be yet another split, this one a four way, and you are to take the one to your immediate left, then you should be able to see your room from there."
I can remember that. Right, left, right, left, and I'm there. My mind mentally repeats the directions as Szayel leans back from the monitor, staring at me expectantly.
"Oh, yeah, thanks, I got it. I'll be going now," I smile, but it's more nervous than anything. I don't know what it is about this guy, but he just puts me on edge. He's not threatening or physically intimidating like Nnoitra (or Grimmjow when he's in a pissy mood), but I don't know, something just unsettles my instincts.
"If you're sure, then you're free to leave. I hope to see you again soon, Miss Laterlli," he finishes, and he bows, a gesture I was not expecting. I rub the back of my neck, not sure if I should bow back, but that seems ridiculous, so I just carry on with my idiotic smiling.
"I…appreciate your help, well, bye now," I add, but it just sounds like I'm babbling, and I mentally kick myself. I hastily make my over to the section of wall, and imitating Nnoitra, press my hand against it firmly. I breathe out a sigh of relief as it slides open, and without looking back over my shoulder I as good as throw myself through and into the white corridor. No one else appears to be around, Nnoitra not lurking around, waiting to rip out my tongue as soon as I'm out of Szayel's place. I hear the door slide shut again, and that's my que to make my way back to my own quarters. This is enough exploring for now, I think. I just want to get back and spend some time with Grimmjow again. I've only been gone for a couple of hours at most, but I'm already pining for his company.
After almost taking a wrong turn at the four-way split, I finally find my way back. I lean against my door in relief. And thankfully, there was no sign of Nnoitra anywhere. I open the door and step inside, seeing Grimmjow splayed on the bed, reading the book I was reading earlier, a deep frown on his face. Funny, I never pegged him for the reading type.
I walk over and nod my head at the book.
"Didn't know you liked reading."
"I don't," is his gruff reply, and he tosses the book down onto the bed.
"Then why were you reading?"
"You like reading, figured I'd see what you like so much about it," he shrugs, avoiding my eyes. I resist the urge to grin like an idiot when it clicks in my mind. He sits up on the bed and I take the opportunity to climb onto the bed behind him, wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing the back of his neck.
"You're cute," I tease.
"No I fuckin ain't," he growls, but he doesn't try to shake me off. I add more kisses along the side of his neck and along the side of his jaw, and then stop, pressing my face against him and my heart soars in my chest at the gentle contact. We just sit there for a while and embrace, the sounds of our relaxed breathing the only ones in the room, and I'm enjoying every peaceful second of it. Who would've thought the mighty Grimmjow would enjoy cuddle time? I giggle against his neck before I can stop myself.
"What's so funny?"
I shake my head and nuzzle into him.
"Nothing," I whisper against his skin, and he huffs, but doesn't press any further, and we lax back into the surprisingly comfortable silence.
We spend a long time just enjoying each other's company, but we eventually separate, Grimmjow heading off the bathroom, and me picking the discarded book back up. I glance through it, but I'm not really reading it. My mind is working on overdrive, trying to figure out why that bit of intimacy felt so good, so right. I didn't want to let myself get attached to Grimmjow emotionally, because I know that no matter how loving or gentle he seems, that this thing we have isn't going to last. I no longer think the feelings are one sided, but there's just too much in the way for us to be together. If push came to shove, I couldn't abandon Ichigo or Orihime, and I refuse to help Aizen with his little plans. I know Grimmjow isn't about to go rogue on Aizen or leave Hueco Mundo, and there's that fact that hollows and soul reapers are natural born enemies. There's no way around that fact, and that's what hurts the most. I want this to become more, I know that now, but in reality, it just can't.
I toss the book away from me, frustration eating at me. But what if Aizen was out of the picture? Could Grimmjow be persuaded to put aside his hatred for soul reapers, and vice versa? I think the soul reapers believe Arrancars are nothing more than overpowered hollows, only taking on the outward looks of human forms. But after spending some time here, especially around Grimmjow, I've come to believe otherwise. They don't just look more human, they are more human. They have feelings, they can show compassion, dare I say love too? My head is beginning to ache from all this contemplating, where are some strong painkillers when you need them?
A loud knock on the door stirs me out of my headache inducing thoughts, and I watch as Ulquiorra enters, not even waiting for a response from this side.
"Where is Grimmjow?"
I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to get some relief from my headache and jerk a thumb at the closed bathroom door.
"He's in the bathroom right now. What do you want?"
"I need to inform him that Ichigo has breached Las Noches, and is drawing closer," Ulquiorra states, cool as a cucumber. My headache forgotten, I jump up from the bed, my eyes darting between Ulquiorra and the ajar door.
"Ichigo's close? How close?" I persist.
"Why do you ask, are you planning on joining him again?" Ulquiorra asks, and I see his pale fingers trail along the hilt of his Zanpakuto in an unspoken warning. Before I can answer, Grimmjow appears from the bathroom, obviously having heard us, and his eyes lock on my face. I quickly avert my eyes, feeling a sense of shame and guilt rise up inside of me. But I'm not doing anything wrong, am I?
"I presume you heard me, so I do not need to repeat myself. I am going to go and confront Ichigo Kurosaki, by Lord Aizen's orders," Ulquiorra says, and swiftly turns on his heel. Impulsively, I make to grab onto the back of his jacket, attempting to do what exactly, I don't know. Grimmjow's arms around my chest and waist stop me, and Ulquiorra glances over his shoulder, emotionless.
"You should learn to control your actions, they will get you killed someday," and with that he exits, leaving me wriggling in Grimmjow's strong hold, my teeth bared. I want to run after him and pummel the shit out of him, that arrogant bastard!
"Katerina, stop," Grimmjow demands, tightening his grip on me. I release I'm digging my nails into the skin of his arms, making small bloody welts appear. I immediately stop, letting my arms fall limply back to my sides.
"If Aizen sent Ulquiorra after him, that kids as good as dead."
"NO!" I shout angrily, and I start wriggling again, trying to break free and go after Ulquiorra. I won't let him, I won't fucking let him do it!
"JUST LET GO OF ME ALREADY!" I hiss, my anger close to reaching boiling point. I hear Grimmjow snarl, and I'm forced down onto the bed on my front, a firm hand planted on my back and one on the back of my head. I throw my hands out wildly, trying to make him release his grip, but he easily dodges them. As If to enforce his point, he kneels on the bed and replaces the hand on my back with his knee, which hurts, and it makes me stop, a hiss of pain slipping through my teeth.
"LET YOU GO SO YOU CAN GO AND GET YOURSELF FUCKING KILLED AS WELL? STOP BEING SUCH A SELFISH BRAT AND THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU'RE FUCKIN DOING!" He roars, the pure anger behind his words giving me goosebumps.
"WHAT DO YOU EXPECT ME TO DO, JUST SIT PRETTY WHILE ULQUIORRA GOES AND KILLS ICHIGO?" I retort, glaring at him from over my shoulder.
"YES I DO!"
"WELL FUCK YOU!" I growl, and I try to thrash again, but the knee on my back only presses against my spine harder.
"YOU CAN STRUGGLE ALL YOU FUCKIN WANT, YOU AIN'T GOIN ANYWHERE!"
Lezinga's still at my side, but in this position, I can't reach her anyway. Even if I could, I don't know if I'd have the heart to use her against Grimmjow, not after everything that's happened lately. But I can't just fucking sit here! I need to think of a way out, and fast!
I sag into the bed, my arms falling to the mattress. Grimmjow glares down at me, not taken off guard so easily, and the knee is still firmly wedged against my back.
"You don't understand, Grimmjow. If you have someone you care about, you can't just sit idly by and watch while they're in danger," I mumble, averting my eyes from his furious blue ones.
"You think I don't understand, huh? Why do you think I'm not letting you go after Ulquiorra?"
I screw my eyes shut, my fingers clenching at the blankets underneath.
"Don't say that," I whisper, and the weight of his knee is lifted, just a fraction, but I notice.
"Why not?"
I force back the urge to let my emotions pour out, my eyes already starting to sting with the need to release a stream of tears.
"Because…you're just making this harder," I hear my own voice crack, but there's no way I could've stopped it. I feel like I'm being split in two, one side knowing what I have to do and what's right, and the other wanting to cling to Grimmjow and sob my heart out, wanting to forget about Ichigo and the others, just be selfish for once. A warm hand resting on top of my own makes my eyes open, and Grimmjow laces his fingers through mine, the blanket leaving my grip.
"Once this is over, you'll understand why I can't let you go, not for Kurosaki, not for anyone," Grimmjow tells me, and the knee is removed from my back completely. I stay still, not moving an inch. He's letting his guard down, thinking that I'm calming down. If I'm going to do it, I have to do it now. But if I do…will Grimmjow ever forgive me? Images of Ichigo's bloodied, mangled corpse flash in my mind, followed by Orihime's, even Renji's, and my mind is made up.
As Grimmjow's hand leaves mine, I slowly get up from the bed, turning to face him. This technique isn't guaranteed to work every time, especially against more powerful opponents, but hopefully catching him relatively off guard with it will make it work. Now that my reiatsu isn't restrained, I can freely manipulate it again, and as I focus it on the vital spot and release it to full power, Grimmjow sinks to his knees, and I know the technique was a success. I crouch down, cupping the bone free side of his face, and I lean my forehead against his as his eyes slide closed, and he falls against me, going limp.
"I'm sorry," I sob, and press my lips against his in a chaste, final kiss. I slowly lower his body to the floor, and then throw open the door, intent on finding Ulquiorra before he can find Ichigo.
My poor heart! But now we'll be getting to the action and fights, which I always enjoy writing :D Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the latest chapter!