The site problems really pissed me off because the glitch was really specific, because it blocked me from updating my stories for almost two weeks. I feel particularly bad because this whole mess left me sitting on my hands- looking like a total hack by not updating anything.
I've been doing this for a while now, so I expect a level of quality from myself in my work. This month, I'll have been writing stories for this site for nine years... That reminds me, I'll have to do something awesome next year for my tenth anniversary. Anyway, I want to say sorry for what happened, and let you all know that I really appreciate you guys. Your continued support really helps me keep going.
Edit (11/15/11): Fixed a few issues here and there, nothing major...
BLEACH
The Human Condition
Chapter 10:
"Perspectives"
"It's really all just a matter of inventing an acceptable past and forging the needed academic and personal records for him..." Hitsugaya explained to Orihime and Ulquiorra. "Though, given the number of times that we've done this, I don't think it should be a problem." He added with a slight smile.
"Aside from that... We just need to get you set up with a uniform and situated at Karakura without incident." The white-haired captain added calmly. "As for passing you off as a human with the regular students there... Urahara-san told me that he gave you a special item that should take care of that issue. How is working so far?" He asked.
Ulquiorra nodded and lifted up his hand, showing off the unusual metallic bracelet that the former captain had given him. "So far, it seems to be working... Neither myself or my Reiatsu has drawn any unwanted attention from the humans in the area... Or from Hollows"
"Good," Hitsugaya replied. "We were worried that the unusual nature of your spiritual power might attract the attention of wayward Hollows." He explained. "I'll take that as indication that it works... I'm sure that Urahara-san will be pleased to know that his prototype is a success." Toshiro replied with a small smile. "Though at some point, it would be a good idea if we found out what you're capable of... And how, if at all you're transformation may have effected your powers and abilities."
"But Toshiro-kun, wouldn't that be dangerous?" Orihime asked him. "I've seen Ulquiorra's abilities first hand, and they were really destructive." She turned to Ulquiorra. "Didn't you say that the main reason that you fought Kurosaki-kun outside of Las Noches was because your spirit pressure would have brought dome down otherwise?"
Ulquiorra nodded. "Yes, at the time, Yammy would have been in his Released State... So the added effects of Vasto Lorde like myself would possibly have destroyed the entire dome."
The white-haired captain choked slightly. "You as well?" He exclaimed. "To think that Aizen had four Vasto Lorde Class Arrancar under his command..." Hitsugaya mused out loud. He then shook his head and composed himself before continuing. "Regardless... As Shinigami, we have facilities designed specifically for safely manipulating Reiatsu...
The captain continued. "And, as such, we can also contain the effects if something were to go wrong." Hitsugaya then paused. "That reminds me, at some point in the future, it would be helpful for us to see if you still go into your released states."
Orihime felt a sudden faint chill run through her at the mention of Ulquiorra other forms- specifically, his devil-like Segunda Etapa. It was still somewhat unsettling to her when she considered that the eerie bat-winged 'demon' was part of him. And yet, she knew that it was still Ulquiorra... and in an odd way, the idea was strangely intriguing to her.
Toshiro then turned to Orihime. "And how have you been feeling recently, Inoue-san, has you're recovery caused you any distress?"
The auburn-haired teen snapped back to attention, having been deep in thought about various things- including the thought of Ulquiorra in a uniform! "Oh, sorry Toshiro-kun..." She began, giving him an embarrassed smile. "I've felt okay since I rested after the first day... though it's just been strange not being able to feel my spiritual energy... I kind of miss my fairies too."
"Yes, I can only image how difficult this must be for you." Toshiro replied, giving her a sympathetic smile as he went on. "But this is still a precarious time for you, so don't force your recovery." The young-looking captain explained to her in a relaxed tone. "As frustrating as this must feel right now, it's better in the long run for you take it easy and allow your Reiatsu to return naturally."
Orihime blushed slightly, but smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Toshiro-kun, you and the others have been really helpful... to both of us." She replied.
"It's no big deal... I'm just doing my job as a Captain." Hitsugaya replied. "After all, we just want things to run smoothly for you." He then turned to address the former Espada. "As for you, Ulquiorra, I informed Soul Society about the details of your rather unique situation, including Orihime's involvement in how you got here..."
He paused momentarily. "Given the recent war and the losses suffered on both sides, everyone is quite eager to avoid any further bloodshed." The captain explained to them. "And as such, it was felt that it would be best if things would remain as they are for the two of you."
"Do you know what's going to happen to Nell?" Orihime asked.
"In regards to 'Nel', as you call her..." Hitsugaya began. "Considering that she fought alongside Kurosaki against the Espada, there's really no reason to not trust her... As I explained, Soul Society would prefer to use diplomacy with the Arrancar if possible. And we hope that at some point she could play a role in helping us establish relations with them." He explained.
"Though we feel that it would be safer for her if she went back with us..." He added, pausing for a moment to collect his thoughts. "Aside from that, we believe that it may eventually be possible to stabilize her condition and possibly even restore her to her true form."
"Oh wow, that sounds incredible." Orihime replied, thinking back to the green-haired Espada's transformation back in Heuco Mundo. "Nell was really powerful when she was like that, I can really see her as the original Third Espada..." She paused, then turned to Ulquiorra. "What do you think Ulquiorra, do you think this is a good idea?"
The dark-haired former Espada looked at her for a moment. "Her personality is different from how I remember her... But if she genuinely is as attached to Ichigo Kurosaki as she appears to be, then there's nothing to worry about." He replied in a calm, measured voice. "Unlike the rest of us, Nelliel always valued the well being of those close to her." Ulquiorra explained to the two. "In a way, you could say that loyalty is instinctive to her."
Orihime smiled to herself as she listened to him. "It also might be helpful if you located her two Fracciones as well- Dondochakka and Pesche." Orihime suggested.
"Tell me something," Ulquiorra began, crossing his arms as he continued. "Just what exactly happened to Aizen and the other Espada?"
Hitsugaya shook his head. "Most of the Espada were killed during the invasion of Soul Society, while under Aizen's command..." He replied gravely. "As for Aizen, he became immortal once he merged his body with the Hogyuko..." The captain continued. "Because of that, he'll be stuck spending eternity as the victim of his own immortality."
Ulquiorra smirked slightly. "For someone like him, who cared nothing for the lives of others..." He remarked in a serious tone. "I can see a no more fitting fate than being left to spend his endless existence with nothing but the memories of his failure."
Hitsugaya nodded. "Yes... Aizen's coup tarnished the image of Soul Society, and threatened everything that we worked to create over the centuries." He replied. "So, like you, I won't be shedding any tears over his ultimate fate."
Orihime's eyes suddenly went wide. "Wait a second, I just realized something..." She began. "What about Grimmjow?" She exclaimed, looking at the two of them.
"What do you mean?" Hitsugaya asked her in a confused voice. Ulquiorra also turned to her, an unreadable expression on his face.
The redhead looked back to the Captain sitting across from her. "When we left Hueco Mundo, the last time I saw him, Grimmjow was still alive." Orihime explained to them. "He was badly injured by Nnoitra's sneak attack, but he was still alive..."
Hitsugaya became silent for a moment. "Yes, you're right, that could be a problem... I'll look into it when I get back to Soul Society." He offered in a reassuring tone. "Right now, there's some things I need to take care of, so I'll be heading out." He added, getting to his feet. "Someone will come to check on the two of the you in few days, likely either myself or Lieutenant Matsumoto."
...o.o.o...
Urahara nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Captain Hitsugaya, it's good to know that my prototype is functioning properly." He replied. "Tell me, have you learned anything more about what's going on back at Soul Society?" The former Shinigami Captain asked. "The last time we spoke, you seemed troubled by something."
Hitsugaya shook his head. "No, right now I have little more than my own suspicions to go on, but something odd is going on there..." He replied. "I don't think it's anything that could seriously threaten Soul Society, but I'm sure that certain people are covering something up." The young captain mused to the tall blond. "Still, whatever is going on, I'll uncover it eventually."
Urahara crossed his arms and nodded. "Yes, well just treed carefully..." He began. "In our line of work, curiosity can sometimes be a dangerous thing." He offered him. "You don't want to end up getting caught up in some web of intrigue like I did."
The white-haired captain nodded. "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind." He replied. "And if I do find out anything of substance, I'll be sure to let you know." He continued. "As for now, it's time that I returned to Soul Society and gave my report."
Once Hitsugaya departed from Urahara's shop, Tessai approached his old friend. "You seem troubled, is something wrong back at Soul Society?"
The scruffy blond turned to his friend and shook his head. "I'm not sure right now, but Soul Society is in a precarious position at the moment..." He replied. "I'm worried that before all of this is over, it'll turn out that Aizen may have done more damage than we ever could have guessed."
"Just what sort of damage are talking about?" Tessai asked him. "After all that's happened, I'd hate to think that he could have caused even more damage..."
"That's just it, I'm not totally sure..." Urahara replied with a sigh. "But it seems that the Winter War is going to have far more reaching effects than any of us could have guessed... In someways, it's fundamentally changed how Soul Society will view the Arrancar." He continued. "A hundred years ago, they never would have considered negotiating with them, but now..."
Tessai shook his head in agreement. "Now things have changed..." He offered. "Well, it's not surprising that it would take a war to change their feelings on the matter." The burly man reasoned with a nod. "Still, is that the only thing- is there something else that's bothering you?"
Urahara nodded, then turned to look at his long-time friend. "You know me too well, my old friend." He replied with an odd smile. "You see, it's about the Arrancar..." The former Captain explained. "I believe that something is happening to them... They're changing."
The burly man arched a brow at the remark. "Kisuke, what exactly do you mean when you when you say that they're 'changing'?" He asked, uncrossing his arms and bringing his hands to rest on hips.
Urahara glanced off to the side momentarily, then back to the other man. "At this point, it's little more than speculation on my part..." The scruffy blond began in a calm, steady voice. "But I've been doing some research, and if my theory is correct... Then, I'm certain that we're witnessing a fundamental change in the Arrancar as a species, almost as if they were... evolving."
...o.o.o...
Ulquiorra seemed to be deep in thought on the couch as Orihime him. The orange-haired girl paused for a moment, before speaking up. "I'm sorry if... I upset you earlier when I mentioned Grimmjow." She began in a slightly nervous tone.
He suddenly snapped out of his thoughts and looked up at her. After a moment, he shook his head and motioned for her to joined him. She sat down beside him and looked at him intently as he took a breath, then turned to face her. "I'm not upset... I've just been thinking." He replied. "It's about what the Shinigami Captain said about the other Arrancar... that they wanted to make peace with them."
"Well... I'd like to think that different kinds of people have the ability to find some common ground that brings them together." Orihime reasoned with a smile. "I realize that it probably sound impossible right now. But, given enough time, that could change..." She offered. "As long as there are individuals who want things to change."
He nodded quietly. "I guess that I still find it hard to believe that the Arrancar and the Shinigami could really ever coexist with one another..." Ulquiorra continued. "And yet, it's when I'm here with you, that- for the first time- I feel content... happy." He finished, mulling over the last word.
Orihime's silver eyes widened as he reached over to cup her cheek and caressed it. The pale-skinned swordsman narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at her. "This is something that I've wanted to tell you for some time now... It's because of you that I'm able to experience all this."
The girl blushed, but smiled back at him. "Ulquiorra..." She began softly. "I'm glad that I could help you experience all this... And like you, I'm happy that we're able to be together for it." Orihime replied as she reached up to place her smaller hand over his. She looked into his dark green eyes for a moment, before she slowly leaned in towards him... She closed her eyes and gently kissed him on the lips.
The former Espada smiled inwardly as the young woman instigated their kiss with a small degree of nervousness in her actions. She returned to the gesture, helping to sooth her nerves in the process as they kissed. After a moment, he pulled back and smiled at her.
Still blushing, Orihime returned the smile and reached out to touch her hand against his cheek, her smile widening as she traced his tear mark with her fingertips. She silently mouthed his name as she slid fingers along the contours of Ulquiorra's smooth flesh. "How about we start getting you ready for next week?" She asked. "After all, that's when I'll be returning to school... And you'll be coming back along with me." She finished, giving him a cute smile.
Ulquiorra arched a dark brow as he looked at her for a moment. He then reached up to take her hand in his pale one, then pressed his lips to it, kissing her hand. "I have no intention of letting you out of my sight... So, I suppose we will, won't we?" He asked her in a low tone.
(- End of Chapter 10 -)
I'd like to give special thanks to Morning Bleach, Phantom105, Cittyno2, and Veelasophia for their reviews of the last chapter. I'm sorry if the chapter didn't meet everyone's expectations, but I'm still hopeful that things will pick back up in the upcoming chapters.
AS for the bit in the last chapter with Tatsuki... I guess I could have made things more clear as to what was happening at the end. The scene was more about her relationship with Orihime, and accepting that she be allowed to be her own person and make her own choices. She's still not totally convinced by Ulquiorra yet, but she realizes that Orihime cares about him.
Anyway, I'll see you later... And I hope that you'll take the time to let know what you all though about this by leaving me some reviews. Your feedback is always appreciated.
-Bojack727