Chapter 10

~~~**RPV**~~~

Mizuki carefully ran her fingers over the lines of disks. On the far side of the room, next to the only window in the room, was a stereo. The speakers were spread out all over the room. They were hidden within the walls so it wouldn't be obvious. The soft melody of Bach on cello eveloped the room. The moonlight shone through the tall window, casting it's pale glow all over the room. The window was cracked open slightly to let in a breeze to relieve the stuffy air. Her blank eyes stared into space. Her soul melted with the music. It was the only thing that was keeping her calm. He was on her bed, watching her with piercing eyes. A catlike grin on his face. He made her wear a thin, white nightgown that barely went to her knees. The sleeves were long and went past her hands. A cool breeze ran up her legs. She stood at the end of the shelf and hid the shiver that went up her spine. He chuckled and held out his arms. Her eyes peered at him. Mizuki slowly glided to the bedside. She stood next her him, completely still. He sat up and gently took her arm, his hand ran down and lightly grasped her hand. She closed her eyes and let him guide her body under him.

~~~**Ulquiorra**~~~

The next morning was unusually slow for me. Of course, the whores bugged me, but not as much. They took advantage of being in the middle of a forest and went hiking. Or at least that's what they said. The moment they said hiking, they dragged Ichigo, Chad, and Aporro out the door. Mayuri was with Matsumoto, talking about plants and flowers. Somehow, Matsumoto understood everything he said when he went to the topic of how the toxins in each plant did something to the body and so on. It made my head hurt for a moment whenever I tried to listen to what he said. Mizuki spent her morning wandering around the house. I kept a loose eye on her, making sure she wasn't getting herself hurt and finding something no one was supposed to see.

By the time noon came around, I was about ready to take a long nap. I wasn't prepared to take on another party like last night. Grimmjow was already napping. Except his version of napping was a slobby fashion that involved burying himself in crumb, cans, magazines, and holding the remote in his hand. He didn't seem to be bothering with his clothes either, he left his pants unzipped and shirt open. It was so disgusting. Such indecency made me sick. I made my way upstairs, checking the floor above mine to see if Mizuki was still wandering the house. I saw something that enticed me quite a bit. There was barely a trace of her scent on this floor. I passed by each door, quickly checking for her scent. None had the overpowering scent of Mizuki. She didn't have a room on this floor. That made no sense, Grimmjow made sure she wasn't on the floors below me. He said she was on this floor. I closed my eyes and concentrated. If I could hear her heartbeat, I could find her easily. The entire bottom half of the lodge was empty; excluding Grimmjow. Then I concentrated on this floor. Still no heartbeat. I opened my eyes halfway. Where could she be? She wasn't outside, she never left the lodge.

"No... the attic? But no one knows where it is..." I muttered. I closed my eyes again and listened to the hidden floor above me. The attic was a place that Zangetsu specially set aside for any allied vampire to hide in case he or she was having an attack from a withdrawal of blood or, in some cases, have a sudden break down when they lose someone very dear to them. It was a reinforced room, I had to take extra time to search it. Then I heard it. The faint flutter of her delicate heartbeat. She had managed to take that room. I opened my eyes. Why would she choose such a far off place to be? I knew where the entrance was to the attic. I headed to the last room to the left and went in. No one occupied it. I saw the revolver door open just a crack.

How... did she know it was a revolving hidden doorway? Was the dresser out of place...? Maybe it was open a bit... I pushed the revolving door open a bit and slipped inside, closing it behind me. The stairway leading up was covered with her scent. It made me dizzy at first. So much of her scent so suddenly was pleasent and exhilerating. I climbed the staircase slowly. The slim windows let in slivers of light. I could hear classical music playing. She was enjoying a lot. I saw the door open. I froze at the top of the staircase. I didn't want to intrude on her being up here. I went to the corner next to the door and flattened myself against the wall. I could see the bed. Mizuki had already put everything she brough into the dressers and closet. She was sitting on the bed, legs crossed and back straight. Her eyes were closed. Her hair seemed to drift a bit. The window must have been open. The simple outfit she wore made her look like a child. A plain white t-shirt and blue shorts. I stared at her almost statue like appearance. Was she really enjoying herself? Maybe she was calming herself. Whenever I heard classical music, I only listened to it to calm myself. I flinched as her hand moved suddenly. She was holding the small remote to the stereo. She clicked a button. The song changed. She lowered her arm and froze.

I froze as soon as the song started to play. The Firebird? The song was a musical portrait of peace and yet sadness. What it really resembled was a beautiful sunrise against a lovely scenery in the countryside. Somehow, when I saw Mizuki, it resembled hope that was being yearned for; something that was wanted but just couldn't be reached. I closed my eyes, letting myself flow with the music. Then, once it reached the climax of the piece, the triumphant picture; I suddenly felt a connection. It was just a rush of emotion. I almost lost my breath when everything flooded into my mind. I forced my eyes open, a sweat covered my body. The felt the emotion leave me immediatly. It was as if nothing had happened. The resolution played; the calming repeat of the beginning. I glanced back at Mizuki in the room. She wasn't on the bed anymore. I froze. Where had she gone? I heard a creak. I snapped my head around. Mizuki was coming up the staircase. She saw me and stopped. We stared at each other.

"Ulquiorra... what are you doing up here?" She asked. She seemed very tense. The music had completely stopped. I regained my composure and took in a breath to calm myself.

"Actually, that's the same question I was going to ask. I didn't think someone would be able to find the attic," I said, walking towards her. I shoved my hands in my pockets as I neared her. She stood at the top of the staircase, staring at me with her blank eyes.

"I wanted somewhere private. The room I was going to choose... I was just looking around and I found the door..." She murmured. I could hear her heart racing. Although she looked completely calm and emotionless, her heart gave everything away. It sounded as if she had just gotten done with running.

"Mizuki, this room is hidden so well because it's a room which my kind hide in whenever we loose control. You could say it's a type of isolation room. I'm surprised you find it comfortable up here. It's design is only comforting to my kind. To a human, you could say they find it quite creepy at night and during the day; much too cramped. That's how it's supposed to be..." I stood in front of her in silence, waiting for her reaction. She slowly walked past me, not saying a word.

"If it's alright with you, I'd like to stay up here..." She said softly. I heard her heart skip a few beats. I sighed and nodded.

"Very well. If there are any problems with the room... just tell me..." I said. She stopped at the doorway. I waited for her to say something. The tension in the air was thick. The silence between us almost racked my body in impatient pain. I heard her close the door. I closed my eyes, I could feel tears pushing up against my lids. I let out a hot breath and went down the stairs. I heard the music play again. Dammit, I wanted to hold her close to me so badly. I wanted to taste her blood, I wanted to talk to her! If only he wasn't here! If only he wasn't after her! I closed the secret revolving door and exited the room. It was almost one. I made my way to my room, dread in my heart. Somehow, I knew tonight and every night we were here, he would do something to her. I'm not sure what, but something that made her more obediant. How was I going to live with it?

Days passed by. The entire household acted normally. The whores kept up their acts of trying to fuck the guys and the guys tried their best to either get laid or to make them pissed off. Matsumoto was only doing her best to cover up what she was doing at night. She had agreed to wandering around the room that hid the hidden entrance was in and watching for whenever Mizuki went to a from that room. Grimmjow was watching Mayuri as much as possible without looking suspicious. So far, I couldn't figure out how the stalker managed to get to her room! If I only knew, I could try and watch over Mizuki in a much safer way.

~~~**RPV**~~~

The one week mark came swiftly. Zangetsu came early on Sunday morning with more supplies. When he found out that Ichigo had come along, he only gave a disappointed sigh and smacked him upside the head.

"If you wanted to come along, just ask..." He growled. He unloaded a few tents and extra flashlights.

"Uh... what's with the tents?" One of the whores asked.

"We're gonna go camping for the next week, aren't we, Ulquiorra?" Grimmjow grinned. He ignored him and picked up one of the tents.

"Oi! Chiyo! Get some of the flashlights!" Grimmjow yelled at the blonde whore who was examining her nails. She let out a scuff and grinned.

"Alright, but what's in it for me, Grimm-poo?" She said as she bent down and picked up three flashlights. Mayuri grinned. A light of curiousity was bright in his eyes.

"Camping? Why... that just sounds so fun!" He hissed. Zangetsu pulled Ulquiorra aside.

"Remember where I told you, right? Make sure it's close to some sort of path but deep in the woods." He nodded.

"Yes... An entire week. Starting on Tuesday." They parted. Zangetsu went back into the van.

"Make sure this place doesn't get ruined. If it does, I'll make you all slaves and force you to clean ten others lodges like this one. Believe me, some of my friends would just love it." He drove away quickly. Mizuki was sitting on the steps of the lodge, a knee under her chin and lips hidden behind her hands. Her calm eyes darted from each tent to each person. Grimmjow walked past her lightly tapped her head. A smirked came across his face. She peered up at him and watched him pass by. As soon as the tents and extra flashlights and supplies were put inside, everyone began to disperse again. Mizuki was still sitting on the steps, peering out in the forest. Ulquiorra was sitting in the living room, staring out the window and keeping an eye on her. Aporro walked by him, chatting to Chad over how boring school had been. Mayuri walked down the stairs and headed out the door. He stopped by Mizuki and sat down next to her. He began trying to talk to her.

"Hey, Mizuki, I found this nice little path leading from here. It heads out this great plateau that over looks this forest! There's even a small little garden filled with some flowers that I'm sure you'd like." He smiled at her, his eyes glinting with glee. Mizuki stared at him with halfclosed eyes.

"How long is it?" She asked. He pondered a bit.

"Well... since it's maybe almost one thirty... By the time we get to the plateau it'd be maybe... two thirty. But that's only if we straight shot it. The path gets kind of bumpy on the way. Some trees have fallen down across it and roots have ruined it. There's also, for some reason, a stream running across it. It's kind of tricky, but it's quite a sight to see once you get there! If you want, I'll pack you a lunch or something. But I think I could make something out of all these plants out here! Maybe a salad..." He explained. Mizuki peered back out at the forest and closed her eyes.

"Sure... I'll just... get some things..." She stood up and went inside. Mayuri followed.

"Alright!" They went through the living room. Ulqiuorra watched Mizuki head upstairs. Mayuri stood at the bottom, talking to her still.

"What kind of sandwhich do you want?" He called.

"Anything without fish," She answered back; her voice was timid. She disappeared upstairs. Mayuri went into the kitchen, fishing around for any extra snacks and began to stuff them into a bag. He took down a few bottles of salad dressing and put some of each into small tubes. In just a few minutes, he had a bag full of snacks and food for him and Mizuki. Grimmjow came in and stood behind him.

"Damn, that's an awful lot of food there, the hell are you going?"

"I managed to convince Mizuki-chan to come with me on a hike," He said pleasently. Grimmjow smirked.

"Oh... a hike? Is that was it's gonna be? Is that all?" He threw an arm around his shoulder, grinning from ear to ear. Mayuri let out a long laugh.

"I haven't laugh so hard in years! Yes, Grimmjow-san, that's all it'll be. I wouldn't dare make a move on Mizuki-chan, we're just friends. I know Mizuki-chan is having a bit of a rough time, and I'll try my best to make her feel better! But I definately wouldn't dare to try anything like that." He put the bag over his shoulder and walked past Grimmjow. Mizuki was coming downstairs with tennis shoes and jeans, still wearing her white shirt. She saw Grimmjow and gave him a slight smile.

"Oi! Mizuki-chan! I hear ya goin' on a hike! Have fun!" He gave a wave and went past her, going upstairs. Ulquiorra watched the two of them leave. He had a uneasy feeling, but knowing Mayuri, he could trust Mizuki with him.

Mizuki kept her eyes on the trail ahead, not letting her face show any sign of emotion whatsoever. Mayuri would stop them every now and then and point out a few plants or flowers. He was trying to bring out Mizuki's talkitive side.

"I think this one is really something like a treasure. Sure, it's common in the city, but out in the forest, that's where it's rare. Plus, when it's away from those fumes, the petals just show an amazing color!" He delicately pulled the flower up into view. Mizuki gazed at it for a little.

"Now what's really interesting is that, even though they're common in the city, they're really sensetive to light. Plus, they're a n-"

"Night flower..." Mizuki said softly, her eyes seemed entranced by the flower suddenly. Mayuri paushed.

"Y-Yeah... how did you know that, Mizuki-chan?" He asked, a smile on his lips. She gently took the flower from him and bent down over it, keeping her shadow over it so it wouldn't hit the light.

It's the same one from... back then... I thought I'd never see it again.

"So fine..." She murmured. Mayuri bent down next to her.

"Yeah... I don't know much about it, I just know it makes some sort of poisen and is one of the rare flowers that can never be used in an antidote or medicene. Just in a poisen. I don't know how though..." He went on. Mizuki cupped the flower between her hands and closed her eyes.

"Poisen... Hmm... some would say..." She whispered.

"Neh? What'd you say, Mizuki-chan?" He asked. She held her nose close to the flower and inhaled deeply. Her face was completely relaxed and calm. She opened her eyes and smiled. A warm feeling flooded her mind. Her eyes were filled with relaxation and warmth.

"Mayuri-san, should we go on?" She asked. She stood up, her hands gripping the straps of her backpack. Mayuri stood as well, a confused grin on his face.

"Uh... sure..." He followed Mizuki as she headed down the path. She had a light spring in her step as they went further into the forest. A few trees came in their way, Mizuki somehow managed to jump over them quite easily. Mayuri laughed with her, falling a few times. He kept her walking down the path and then stopped her right when the path dropped off into a ravine.

"Wow... when did this get here?" Mizuki muttered, looking down. Mayuri grinned.

"Well, I'm guessing there was some sort of a mudslide... maybe a small earthquake. But, this stream is new. I mean, I could go on and explain how I know just from looking at the soil, but that'd bore you." He sat down on the side of the ravine and began to slide down.

"What're you doing?" She asked, curious. Mayuri grabbed onto a root and looked up at her, grinning.

"Making this hike a bit tough. You're not to scared, are you?" He chuckled. Mizuki frowned.

"Jjang... you know me a lot better than that," She said. She sat down on the edge of the ravine just like Mayuri did and slid down. She went past Mayuri and kept her balance steady as she went faster down the side.

"Oi! Slow down or you'll hit the water!" He yelled after her, slowly coming down.

"Oh, don't be afraid! It's just a little water! C'mon! You're so slow, Jjang!" She called back. Mayuri laughed and kicked off the side of the ravine. Mizuki watched him landed steadily on his feet. He turned and stared up at Mizuki.

"Gez, looks who's slow now. C'mon!" He taunted. Mizuki giggled and jumped off, landing a few feet in front of him.

"Now, we just cross this stream." Mayuri motioned out at a river that was only a few meters wide, but pretty deep and travelling fast down the mountain. Mizuki scratched her head.

"Hmmm... I really don't want to..." Mayuri grabbed her arm and pulled her along.

"Hurry up!" He pulled her to a fallen tree just at their waist that went nearly all the way to the other side.

"If we balance, we can get across." He pushed Mizuki onto the tree first and went behind her, keeping his hands out in case she lost balance. She carefully walked across the tree, then stopped. She put her hands on her hips and looked down the river.

"Mayuri-san... where does this river go?"

"Well... When I got to the plateau, I found it had travelled just below it. But climbing up the cliff is pretty hard, even though it's only, say, two and a half meters, but after the plateau, it dropped off to a really big waterfall. I think there were rocks under it." Mizuki nodded. She closed her eyes and began to tighten the straps on her backpack. Mayuri watched her in curiousity. She turned towards him, her cheerful appearance back to the emotionless doll.

"Goodbye." Mayuri's eyes widened. He lunged forward, reaching for her. Mizuki jumped off the log quickly and disappeared under the water. Mayuri cursed, searching for her.

"Mizuki! Dammit! Mizuki, show yourself you god damn idiot!" He yelled. His eyes went from the friendly man who chatted with everyone, to an almost crazed, dim appearance. He let out a snarl and leapt into the water after her. He pushed himself down the river with amazing speed, still searching for her bobbing head.

Mizuki clung to a large rock hidden under the water. Her lungs were burning and eyes were searching the water above her. She saw Mayuri dive into the river a few moments ago, she was waiting for him to pass her. She would reappear as soon he was far enough away where she knew he wouldn't see her. Her grip began to slip a bit. She frantically searched the water again, she saw his arms pumping through the water, propelling him to where he thought she was. She closed her eyes tight, waiting.

Go! Hurry up and fucking leave!! Dammit... My lungs hurt! I have to hold on for a little longer!! Dammit! God, it's starting to hurt! I wish... I wish Ulquiorra was here... She opened her eyes and scanned the water above her again. She pushed her head up out of the water, still clinging onto the rock and looked around, gasping for breath. She didn't see Mayuri anywhere. She launched herself against the current and swam sideways to the bank. Her hands brushed against the bottom of the river and she began to crawl up the bank. Once she was out of the river, she stayed on her knees and gasped for air. Water dripped down her hair and onto the ground. She was shivering from the cold water. She heard something move towards her on the bank. She snapped her head up and stared at the fast approaching Mayuri. His eyes were filled with rage. She let out a yelp and scrambled to her feet.

"Dammit Mizuki!!" He tackled her to the ground, wrestling her under him. She kicked and pushed, trying to escape.

"Let me go!! STOP!" She screamed. Mayuri grabbed her wrists and held them on either side of her head. His eyes were insane, burning into hers. He pinned her to the ground, his face centimeters from hers.

"Mizuki... what did I say... about running away?!" He hissed. Mizuki whimpered and closed her eyes.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you!!" He snapped. He grabbed her face tightly in his hand and forced her to stare into his eyes.

"What the hell were you trying to pull? Hmm? What!! Answer me, god dammit!" He yelled. She let out a whimper, tears slidding down her face.

"I brought you out here to have a romantic moment... but what do you go and do!? You fucking try to escape me!! Mizuki, I've told you time after time about this... Do I have to punish you now??" She struggled a bit at his words, whimpering and crying. His trembling breath ran over her face. He licked her cold lips.

"Yes... I'm going to have to punish you, Mizuki...!" He whispered. Mizuki let out a cry, turning her head away from him. He kissed her neck tenderly, running a hand down to her waist. He forced the backpack off of her. Mizuki whimpered and weakly tried to push him away. Everytime she resisted, he would pushed her face into the stony riverbend. With quick fingers, Mayuri had undone her jeans and pulled them off. Her shirt was up above her bra, his fingers quickly unhooking the strap and grabbing her breasts. His tongue ran down her neck eagerly, his hot breath making her shiver. She closed her eyes and sobbed quietly to herself. The hard stones were uncomfortable underneath her naked body. He let go of her wrists and turned her face towards his, burying his lips into hers. Mizuki let her body go limp in his grasp. His hands crawled all over her body, stripping her of all her clothes and invading her pussy. Mayuri undid his pants and let his cock rub against her legs. She let out a small whimper as he readied himself to fuck her.

Ulquiorra was dozing on the couch when the sun was starting to set. Ichigo and Chad were sitting in the basement, watching a baseball game and lazily shooting pool. Grimmjow and Aporro were chatting with the whores and Matsumoto. Everything was quieting down as night came closer. Mayuri came through the front door, escorting and wet Mizuki. Her eyes were distant and she had bruises on her cheeks. He quickly pushed her up the stairs before anyone noticed. He silently guided her to the bathroom and began to dry her off. He brushed off the dirt and roughly combed out her hair. He sent her out, still in the bathroom. She slowly walked down the hall and headed for the staircase.

Ulquiorra shook his head and stared up at the ceiling. He let out a sigh and sat up. He rubbed his neck and stood up, yawning. Mizuki's scent caught him. He took in a deep breath, something wasn't right about it. He looked around. No one was in the room. Mayuri came down the stairs, scratching his head and yawning.

"Whooo! That hike wore me out!" He stretched.

"Where's Mizuki?"

"Hm? Oh.. I think she went to her room. We came back about a half hour ago. She said she was tired and went upstairs. I haven't seen her since." Ulquiorra went past him. Mayuri stared up at him, his eyes darkened.

Question her if you want, Ulquiorra... Mizuki is mine... you won't be able to talk to her ever again.