Hmm I guess I should put warnings on these eh xD too late now since the worst has passed...
Anyways...Chapter Rated M for language lol
Szayel, Ulquiorra and Orihime gasped aloud at the same time, all startled into consciousness, however for different reasons.
I hate it…when he does that…even more so now after…Ulquiorra's mind throbbed painfully. The Espada pushed the pain aside, as he noticed the distress Orihime was in. She was deathly white.
Rukia! She thought, tears prickling her eyes, Orihime clutched at her chest and gasped for breath. "Rukia…she's…" She closed her eyes, ignoring the tears falling onto the blanket before her, as she tried to focus on her friend's reiatsu. "I can't feel her!" she gasped, desperately staring at the Espada before her, hoping he would confirm what she could not.
The shinigami are inside Las Noches…that is why Aizen wants to see us. Closing his eyes, he did as his desperate charge silently pleaded; he sought out Rukia Kuchiki's reiatsu. "It is very…weak. But she is alive." He said emotionlessly, unsure of how he should feel now that her comrades have breached the ramparts. It was not his job to protect Las Noches, his job was to protect Orihime. But what if he encounters her comrades? What then? He could not allow the intruders to take her from him. A whirl of emotions blew through his mind at the thought of losing Orihime. I will not allow that to happen. Remembering Aizen's orders, "Get up now, Aizen has requested our presence; he is readying to leave to Karakura town."
Szayel slowly sat up from his position on the couch and swung his legs over the side. He had become used to Aizen's special messages, but it still bothered him none the less, especially when he was awoken by them. He glanced across the room at Orihime and Ulquiorra, a slight frown flickering across his face.
Orihime's eyes widened; what about my friends? What about Rukia? She got out of bed, clutching her shirt closed, gasping at the pain her injuries were causing her.
Seeing her annoyance at the shirt she was wearing he took her hands, surprising her and letting the shirt fall open; he looked into her wide eyes. "I think I can fix the shirt so that it stays closed, be still." Not waiting for her confirmation, he took the two pieces of cloth in his left hand and brought them together. Focusing his energy, he summoned the tiniest cero spark imaginable; running it down the length of the fabric searing it together.
Szayel smiled at Ulquiorra's ingenuity and consideration.
"That should work, temporarily, don't let it touch your skin for a few minutes." With that he turned around and headed out the door, leaving a stunned Orihime to catch up with him.
She went over to Szayel, wincing as she did so. She did not want to leave him alone. "Are you ok? Should you really be up and moving around?" she asked.
He nodded. "No excuses are permissible when pertaining to these meetings. Though if I am correct, this meeting will be about your comrades. There is a good chance we might be sent to destroy them…" he trailed off, avoiding her gaze. "However, there's also the chance we might go straight to Karakura Town." He slowly stood from the couch, testing his movements.
She nodded, the light going out of her eyes. She understood though. He was warning her, he might kill her friends, or he might be killed, they might not see each other ever again. "Szayel…" her voice cracked as she gave him a tight hug, forgetting his injuries entirely. "Thank you for everything, you've been a great friend to me." She whispered.
He closed his eyes, ignoring the pain her attentions wrought. He slowly put his arms around her shoulders, squeezing her gently. He would allow himself this, just once. "It has been a pleasure, Orihime." He said softly, a warm feeling spreading through him at what she had called him. He allowed himself another moment before saying, "now, you better go before a certain Espada comes back." The tightening pain in his chest returned as he removed himself from her, he resisted the urge to wipe the tears from her eyes. "Go, I'll be right behind you."
She nodded and reluctantly sped across the room and out of sight. She didn't see the scientist collapse back onto the couch his head in his hands.
Catching up with the Espada, she tried to catch his gaze, only to realize that his old cold mask of indifference had fallen into place once again. She smiled slightly. Of course, he's still an Espada; he must act like it in front of his comrades. Though I know there's a heart somewhere inside him, but does he know? She worried about her Guardian; despite his kidnapping her, she's come to rely on his presence and protection. Without him, she knew she'd have been dead long ago. And he's changed…he's not the same person he was when I met him inside the Senkaimon. I…I hope he doesn't encounter my friends.
Leaving that train of thought where it was; Orihime double checked her seared shut shirt, surprised that it was holding, and even more surprised by the fact that Ulquiorra had been kind enough to fix it for her. Is kind the right word though? She frowned slightly before taking a deep breath and following her Espada into the meeting hall.
Orihime trembled at the amount of spiritual energy packed into it: every single Espada, aside from Szayel and Nnoitra, and their respective Fracción where in attendance; including Aizen, Tōsenand Ichimaru. She felt as if her legs were made of jelly.
There were numerous whispers concerning the Forth Espada and the woman. Nnoitra was dead, and Ulquiorra's reiatsu has been fluctuating erratically all day. They all knew when the Espada was displeased.
It was all that Orihime could do to stand against the tension in the air and to ignore the glares of the other Arrancar. She could hear various whispers and insults, even catching the phrase 'pet-sama' and 'princess.' She did her best to shut out the voices by focusing on the swaying tail coat of Ulquiorra's uniform, stopping several feet behind him as he knelt before Aizen.
Ulquiorra paid his respects to the monster before him, though all the while wishing he could release right there and kill the brown eyed bastard. Ulquiorra could not help the hatred, the feeling of betrayal that coursed through his veins. He stared at the tiled floor beneath him, clenching his fist so tightly he could feel his nails cut through his heirro.
Szayel hobbled into the meeting room soon after, bowing before Aizen and quickly moving off to the side, his amber eyes unusually melancholic and distracted. Many of the other Espada shared looks, wondering exactly what had happened to the Eighth. Did he get in to the fight with the Fifth and the Fourth?
Orihime glared up at the ex-captain, having not forgotten what Ulquiorra told her, he used her against her will to heal the Hōgyoku. They locked eyes.
Inwardly sighing at the woman before him, Aizen chose to ignore her, and carry on with the meeting. "Ladies and Gentleman of the Espada, as you all are aware, the shinigami have finally entered Las Noches; though, not without casualties," he added smugly. "The time is nigh upon us to open our Garganta's and enter the material world for a final time. Be prepared! There will be Captain class shinigami, vice captains and their second and thirds seats, as well as the possibility of Vizard's. Do not take them lightly. I also have found that the Karakura Town we will be fighting in will not be real. The shinigami have transported it into Soul Society, using highly advanced technology. This technology will be supported by enormous pillars, destroy them, and the real Karakura Town will appear." He paused for a moment, thinking. "Grimmjow, Yammy, Ulquiorra; you are to remain in Las Noches. The rest of you are to go with me to Karakura Town. You're all dismissed, I will be outside shortly."
At this announcement, Grimmjow couldn't have look happier. Finally! He's going to let me kill that orange haired bastard! He left the premises with the other Espada, eager to be on the hunt.
Orihime waited, unsure of what she was to do. She watched Szayel out of the corner of her eye, he was the last to leave. She saw him take one last look at her from over his shoulder, his usually bright amber eyes sullen, as he finally turned away and passed through the hall doors.
Ulquiorra stood nearby, as passive and cold as ever, awaiting any new orders from his Master.
"Ulquiorra, step outside." Aizen commanded, not even sparing a glance at the Arrancar; his eyes never leaving the woman in front of him.
For the first time ever, he hesitated carrying out Aizen's orders. You will not have her. The Espada wanted to yell at him, his insides roiling.
"Is there a problem, Espada?" Aizen asked; a new edge to his voice.
His handed twitched. "No, Aizen-sama," Ulquiorra bowed slightly, and made his legs carry him outside the meeting hall; Every time I leave her alone, something horrible happens! But I mustn't disobey him less he takes charge of her himself. Having reached the hall door, he looked back over his shoulder in time to see Aizen come forward and embrace the woman. Closing his eyes, Ulquiorra suppressed the reiatsu that threatened to burst forth, and stepped from the hall. I'm sorry…Orihime.
"My deepest…apologies, Inoue-san, for what my Fifth Espada did to you yesterday and last night." Aizen said quietly, gently brushing a lock of fiery hair out of the frightened woman's face. He wasn't lying. He was sincere in his apology, he absolutely regretted the fact that the Fifth Espada had been able to taint her before he. If Ulquiorra hadn't already done the job of finishing Nnoitra off, Aizen would have done it himself.
She was paralyzed. She couldn't breathe, she couldn't talk; she couldn't even take her eyes off the brown ones mere inches away. Ulquiorra…please…come back! She pleaded inside, somebody please…help me! His mere presence was just too much for her; he was purposefully releasing his reiatsu to terrify and control her.
"What's the matter, Inoue-san? Where has that fiery spirit, that confidence gone?" he asked, cupping a soft cheek in his palm.
She gasped; his touch felt like it was searing her cheek. She closed her eyes, refusing to cry in front of this monster. Her heart beat quickened to the point that she was sure Aizen would hear it if he only stepped a bit closer.
Fully embracing her shaking form, he asked, "Are you afraid, Inoue-san?"
Opening her eyes to glare at the inhuman being in front of her and ignoring the tears she had inadvertently released, Orihime merely replied, "No."
Satisfied that he had brought back the fiery gleam to her eyes, Aizen deepened there embrace, bringing his lips to hers. So passionate…yet so delicate…
Knowing she could not overpower him, she pretended to reciprocate his kiss, sucking on his lip…only to bite completely through it at the last second.
Furious, in pain, and humiliated, Aizen shoved the incorrigible woman away from him, he grasped his lip. Fine! If I can't have her, nobody will.
His reiatsu completely released, he strode forward and backhanded her, sending her across the room into the closed doors.
Orihime was conscious, but only just, she felt like she was suffocating due to the immense pressure of his reiatsu. She shook with adrenaline, her body battered and her face already swelling. Aizen was going to kill her, she was sure of that now. Struggling to a standing position, using the door as a brace, she faced him head on. Her vision blinking in an out, she couldn't focus well enough to call her Shun Shun Rikka. Santen…kesshun…she thought. Her vision blurred, she shook her head trying to clear her eyes, only to receive a sharp throb. Aizen was upon her. He grabbed her by the throat and pinned her against the wall. White spots dancing before her eyes, she tried once more, picturing Ulquiorra's beautiful green eyes, she thought, Santen…kesshun…"I REJECT!"
She dropped to the floor, grabbing her throat, trying to suck in air. "Ulquiorra!" she managed to choke out, praying that the Espada would come to her aid.
Her shield had thrown Aizen off once again. He was collapsed against a now broken pillar, but he was still conscious.
Ulquiorra heard her, though just barely. Using sonido he was instantly at her side. She had been ravaged, beaten, and then choked. He was absolutely furious with himself for leaving her alone. Aizen will die, by my hand, before this war is over, for all that he has done to me and to her. He swore to himself. Currently, he was unsure what he should do, Aizen was conscious, and Ulquiorra was not supposed to be in there; he could not help Orihime without aligning himself with the shinigami and humans.
Groaning, Aizen pulled himself up off the floor, his lacerated lip dripping blood down his Arrancar's uniform. He wiped the blood from his lip and reached into his pocket, caressing the Hogyoku stored within. Immediately his lip was healed.
Remembering the object of his fascination and anger, Aizen found the woman hiding behind her golden shield, sitting at the feet of the Forth Espada. Why does he always show up at the most inopportune moment? Exasperated with the both of them, he had had enough, and had better things to do.
"Kill her, Ulquiorra! She's no use to me any longer." With that Aizen strode from the room; completely trusting in the Espada to follow his orders.
Ulquiorra stared down at the woman as Aizen stormed by. Had he heard right? Had Aizen really ordered him to kill Orihime? His chest tightened as he stared down at the green Zanpakuto at his side and he closed his eyes, his hand twitching. He had always obeyed Aizen's orders without question though now he simply couldn't. He refused to bring himself to raise his hand against the woman. Admittedly, Orihime had grown on him. He had begun to care for her, as much as it disturbed him and boggled his mind. Not only that, soon after Aizen's personal assault on Ulquiorra, his loyalty had begun to falter.
That was when two unrelenting thoughts pushed themselves to the surface of his mind.
He wanted to save Orihime and he wanted revenge against Aizen.
Quickly making up his mind, he leaned down next to Orihime, and whispered in her ear, "Since killing you is out of the question, here is what we're going to do…"
Orihime stared up at him in shock as she listened to her guardians plan.
After her Sun Shun Rikka had finished healing her of her more serious injuries, she thanked them gratefully, and bid them farewell until the next time she called them.
Nodding to the Espada that she was ready, she made her way out of the hall; only to be stopped by a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm going to carry you again; it would be faster to traverse with sonido." Ulquiorra said logically. Gathering her up, he quickly made his way to the exterior of Las Noches.
Orihime squeezed her eyes shut and did her best to suppress the nausea that threatened to overtake her. Traveling via sonido was not fun.
Suddenly she remembered something, something extremely important she had forced out of her mind. "Ulquiorra! I need to tell you something."
He paused.
"Remember that vision I told you about, you told me to tell you if I kept having it. Well I did, and it…changed. It became clearer. I saw who cast that Kido on you." She cringed as he glared down at her.
"And now you decide to tell me this?"
"Well I had my reasons not to! If it was me seeing the future, and I told you, I might just be solidifying the event! You know? I had to not tell you and let fate take its course, and it seems to me it has. So now I tell you, Aizen did it."
He nodded, seeing her logic. If she had told him sooner, she may have altered their fate; but seeing as he was most definitely going through with this, then there was no harm done. "I see. Let us go before it is too late."
She nodded, still trying to absorb all that he had told her. Is he really going to help us? She just couldn't wrap her head around it. He's changed so much…a tear dripping down her cheek, she buried her face into the chest before her; breathing in his scent for the second time.
Gathering the woman closer to him, he almost would have smiled, if not for their predicament and the trials ahead.
Pausing atop one of the many towers in Las Noches, Ulquiorra closed his eyes and focused on the few auras of reiatsu that remained. Where…is that…trash…found him! And he's not alone…Grimmjow!
"I'm sorry to say, but he is battling Grimmjow; so your kind efforts towards the Espada days before might end up being for nil."
Bounding forward and putting on a high speed burst of sonido, he quickly made his way towards the shinigami and Arrancar locked in a death match.
Stopping atop a large pillar, he quickly set Orihime down. "I'll be right back." He promised.
Masking his reiatsu, he changed.
Jumping back through the air, hoping to get some relief, Ichigio reassessed the situation.
My mask keeps breaking, earlier and earlier. I can't keep this up much longer. He dodged another volley of Grimmjows aerial Darts.
Grimmjow doesn't even seem to be tiring! If only I could get close enough…
Swiping his hallow mask on once more, Ichigo focused his remaining reiatsu and put on one last burst of super speed shunpo, attempting to get behind Grimmjow. I might…just…yes! "Getsuga…Tenshō!" A red and black wave issued forth from his released Zanpakuto at point blank range; sending Grimmjow backwards through several of the large pillars.
His mask cracking once again, Ichigo attempted to catch is breath while the dust cleared. For the love of god that bastard better be dead, or close to it!
Shocked, Ichigio barely dodged yet another volley of Darts that issued from the smoke. He gasped, surprised and frustrated. Fuck this guy just doesn't go down!
Grimmjow was hurt, though not severely. Sensing the trashes reiatsu he released yet another volley of darts from within the dust, only to miss once again.
Damn that piece of shit Masking his reiatsu he used sonido to appear behind the shinigami. "Desgarrón," he said gleefully, his reiatsu solidifying into insanely long, sharp, ice blue claws. He slashed at the trash in front of him, following up with one more volley of Darts, hitting Ichigo at point blank range.
Jumping high into the air, he looked down to see the shinigami fall lifeless to the ground. He grinned down at the corpse in victory.
Having seen enough, Ulquiorra appeared before Grimmjow, unmasking all of his reiatsu.
The effect brought the Sixth Espada to his knees, his body completely paralyzed.
"Ulqui—orra…" Grimmjow gasped, refusing to believe what it was he was seeing.
Ulquiorra was in his semi released state once again. Drawing out his Zanpakuto Murciélago, he was about to slash the Espada from shoulder to hip when a thought occurred to him. The blue haired Espada before him, on two occasions, had shown respect, and even concern for Orihime.
Ulquiorra shifted his stance slightly, lowing his weapon, however Grimmjow still remained paralyzed due to the force that was Fourth Espada's reiatsu. "Grimmjow," he began, using the Espada's name for the first time ever. "I am defecting from Aizen, and saving the woman. Will you join me?"
The Sixth Espada's eyes widened, clearly in shock at this announcement, though unable to say a word.
Ulquiorra sighed and reined in his reiatsu just enough to allow Pantera's wielder to speak.
Grimmjow gasped, "What the fuck would ya wanna do that for?"
"My reasons are my own. Join me or die now. Make your decision Grimmjow." He stated emotionlessly.
A variety of emotions swept across the inferior Espadas face, confusion, anger and fear being the most prominent. Fuuuuuuck! If Ulquiorra is against us then we're all screwed no matter how I look at it. Damn it! Grimmjow had a feeling Ulquiorra was more powerful than he had let on and seeing the half released transformation before him had only confirmed his suspicions. "Fine." He choked out. Immediately the spiritual pressure holding him eased, causing him to fall several feet in the air before he regained control of himself. "But I ain't fighting for no human pieces of shit, after this war is done I'm out of 'ere!"
Ulquiorra said nothing, instead he turned and sonidoed back to the woman he had left stranded on a pillar.
Orihime started as Ulquiorra and then Grimmjow appeared before her. "But…what happened to Ichigo?" She asked, looking between the two.
Grimmjow said nothing, not meeting her eyes.
"Come." Ulquiorra said approaching her.
That's when she finally noticed his transformation, a small gasp escaping her lips. I…had wondered. I only got a small glimpse of it as he jumped from the pillar…Curious; she gently took his hand, inspecting his long, claw-like fingers. She unconsciously rubbed a thumb over his palm, making the Espadas breath hitch and yellow eyes close. He opened his yellow eyes and gazed down at Orihime. She smiled at the Espada, a look of acceptance on her face.
Why does she look at me like that? I am a monster…
Grimmjow coughed and turned around, not sure what the fuck was going on.
Dragging himself from his thoughts, Ulquiorra said, "We must go down to the shinigami. He is seriously injured."
A look of guilt spreading across her face, Orihime nodded. Oh my god I am so…so…bad! I'm up here fooling around and Ichigo is dying! She felt the Espada gather her up for the journey down. "I hope this plan of yours works, Ulquiorra," she stated.
"It will," he reassured her. It will work, though whether or not I die before or after…that is the question.
Reaching the sands below, they found the shinigami's still form. Orihime wasted no time calling into affect her healing shield, hoping she wasn't too late to save Kurosaki-kun.
"Go." She hissed at the two Espada behind her. She looked over her shoulder at them, they hadn't budged. "Get out of here! He can't see you when he wakes up!"
Ulquiorra nodded, moving out of Ichigos line of sight. He closed his eyes and calmed himself, allowing himself to return to his normal form.
Grimmjow stared down at her incredulously. "God fucking damn it! Is my fight ever going to be over with that piece of shit!" he threw up his hands and stalked away, standing nearby the Fourth.
After several minutes of intense focus, Orihime relieved when Ichigo regained consciousness, choking on some old blood. "Ichigo! You're going to be ok!" She rejoiced, startling the injured shinigami.
"Ino-Inoue! You're alive! What are you doing here? Are you ok?" He tried to sit up but hit his head on the golden shield; he fell back clutching his head. He looked up at Inoue, noting her bruised face and her tied back hair. The blue ribbon tightly binding it.
She pursed her lips as the use of her last name, but decided to ignore it, for now. "Shhh take it easy! You were nearly killed!" she paused, considering his questions. "Yes. I am alive, quite obviously. I'm fine, aside from a few incidents…" she let the sentence hang there, hurrying on to the next part. "Ichigo. There's something I need to tell you. I want you to listen very carefully, and please, please don't act on anything I say before I'm finished!" She pleaded with him.
"Ok…" he nodded…having yet to see the Espada behind him, who had masked their reiatsu.
"Ulquiorra kidnapped me…" she began.
Immediately he interrupted, "Yes I know that! I want to kill the bastard!...wait did he give you those bruises?"
Ulquiorra nearly growled at this. He'd never lay a hand on Orihime!
"Ichigo! Let me finish!" Orihime pleaded, slightly touched by his protectiveness.
"Ulquiorra, he kidnapped me, Aizen told him to. Aizen wanted to use my powers to heal the Hōgyoku. Which I did, unfortunately, but against my will! After that, things happened so fast…" she paused…wanted to word everything carefully. "I was assaulted by the Fifth Espada, Nnoitra. He almost killed me. Ulquiorra tried to save me from injury but Nnoitra was just too persistent. He kicked me into a wall, I was dying…"
Ichigo was furious, "Where is Nnoitra? I'll kill him!"
"He's dead…but I'll get to that part in a moment. After the confrontation I was dying from internal injuries. Ulquiorra brought me back to my…quarters, and tried to heal me, to no avail. I was going to die until he managed to call forth my Shun Shun Rikka so they could heal me."
Disappointed that he wouldn't get to kill that Espada, but grateful that said Espada had saved Inoue, Ichigo nodded for her to go on. "While I was unconscious, Aizen came to my room. There, in his anger, he…he mentally assaulted Ulquiorra's mind, breaking him temporarily. When I woke up, I found him curled up on the floor, writhing in agony. Anyways…after a while he managed to calm down, and seeing that I was ok, he left, telling me to get to sleep. I tried…but I was woken up. Nnoitra was there…he…" she choked back a sob. "He…he…he..." She broke down then, she couldn't help it. The whirl of emotions inside her, the memories, Nnoitra, it was all too much for her.
Ulquiorra did his best to restrain himself from going to her.
Ichigo frowned as it dawned on him just what she was trying to say. "Inoue. I'm so sorry." Ichigo's voice cracked at the end, staring at his childhood friend.
After a while she managed to calm herself down. I need to finish this, we've wasted enough time already. Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Ulquiorra got there, but it was already too late….in his anger, he killed Nnoitra in one hit. That's how I got all these bruises…"
If it wasn't for the shield surrounding him, Ichigo would have gathered her up in his arms…anything to make her feel better, to make her feel safe, tears prickled at his eyes. But…Ulquiorra saved her, a second time? He killed the Fifth Espada with a single hit? "Has Ulquiorra done anything to you, anything at all?" He asked fiercely.
Quickly shaking her head, she said, "No! No not at all. He's been…nothing but kind to me," a wave of guilt crashing over her, as she looked at her hands. "I'm not done." She continued. "Just a little while ago…Aizen held a meeting with all the Espada. But before he left, Aizen….assaulted me, because I wouldn't…comply to his wishes. He then told Ulquiorra to kill me, and left."
"HE WHAT? But you're still here?"
"Yes…I am," she said looking to the Espada to her right. "We have a plan."
Ichigo mouthed the words 'we'…"wait…what? What do you mean, 'we'?"
At this Ulquiorra stepped forward into Ichigo's line of sight.
Grimmjow remained where he was, unsure of what to do.
"We. That is to mean, I, have a plan. I want Aizen dead."
Orihime quickly got up and stepped back, feeling the waves of reiatsu pour off the shinigami. "Inoue…what has he done to you!" He roared, a massive wave of spiritual pressure rolling off of him and slamming into her shield, shattering it. Quickly grabbing his Zanpakuto, Ichigo charged the silent Espada.
"SANTEN KESSHUN! I REJECT!" Orihime yelled, throwing herself between the Espada and Shinigami; a golden shield springing forth, holding back the furious Vizard.
He…he…he can't do this! "Ichigo! You will not do this! He is on our side now!" She pleaded with her long time friend. "Please Ichigo…trust me…" She closed her eyes, pouring the last of her reiatsu into her shield.
Ulquiorra could tell she was weakening. He stepped forward and focused his reiatsu pouring it into her, and through her, into her shield. Ulquiorra's reiatsu changed the golden shield to a translucent lime green, causing it to fully encompass the pair. Locking eyes with the shinigami in front of him he said quietly, "Do not do this, shinigami. My only wish is for her safety. I will never betray her."
Ichigo could not believe what he was seeing. Inoue protecting the Espada and the Espada wanting to protect her? And then he goes and says something like that. The Vizard closed his eyes, weighing the situation. I refuse to trust him…but with him on our side…we might win. And Inoue…I will only upset her and push her away if I don't give this guy a chance.
Nodding, he reigned in his reiatsu and stepped away from the shield.
Sensing the woman's weakness, Ulquiorra fell with her as she collapsed against him, sobbing with relief and exhaustion, all her reiatsu spent from maintaining the shield. Gathering her in his arms, he held her close; glaring over her shoulder at the shinigami for the distress he had caused her.
In disbelief, Ichigo turned away from the odd pair. iIt's…only been…two weeks? She changed the Forth Espada's allegiance, IN A TWO WEEKS? Women!/I That's when he noticed Grimmjow. "What the fuck is this shit?" He brought out Zangetsu once more.
Grimmjow looked away and scratched his head. "That's a good fucking question carrot top, I'm still trying to sort this shit out myself."
"The fuck?" Ichigo demanded.
"Listen, I had as much of a choice in this shit as you did so don't go gettin' your panties in a twist!"
Ulquiorra continued to cradle the woman in his lap, ignoring the shinigami. "Are you ok? Can you stand?" he whispered. "We need to go…"
Clutching at his tattered shirt, Orihime couldn't bring herself to want to move. She felt safe…but she had to. Nodding, she tried to stand only to have her legs fall out from under her. "I…can't…sorry…you'll have to carry me, again." She laughed hysterically.
Ichigo turned, forgetting about the Blue Haired Espada upon hearing a strange laugh coming from his friend; he was only slightly surprised to see her being carried by the fearsome emospada. What the hell? I came here to rescue her! Not you! Fucking emo trash…He glared at the Arrancar."We need to find my comrades, Rukia, Renji, Ishida and Sado. Its probably not apart of 'your plan', but I refuse to leave without them," the shinigami stated firmly.
Nodding, Ulquiorra agreed. "Once we have acquired everyone, I will explain my plan." Ulquiorra closed his eyes, and felt for any unfamiliar reiatsu. Finding them, he motioned to the Vizard, "Follow me." Using sonido, he went to acquire more allies.
Chapter 11 Teaser: Ulquiorra appeared before the group using sonido. "They are coming," is all the Espada said, blind, or purposefully ignoring, the tension in the group that had surfaced with his sudden appearance.
A moment later, the group spied a slightly annoyed and very exhausted Quincy a top a building nearby; followed by a bloody Renji.
AN: So this is where I really really start to deviate from canon.
Canon: …
Xylexia: Sorry it's been fun, but I just can't kill my Ulqui! Or Grimm for that matter.
Canon: But at least I get Szayel! *blows raspberry*
Xylexia: Oh yea? We'll see bout that!