Hey guys! How are you? I hope you all enjoyed the last chapter. I know I enjoyed writing it. ^^ so here we are at chapter 50. Wow…chapter 50! XD anyways…Kari's POV is before Grimmjow and Ichigo teamed up…so although YOU know he's ok. SHE doesn't. so if there is confusion that should clear it up. So I won't waste anymore time except to say that Longing's ending is drawing closer. I would like to take a guess and say it will end in less than five chapters. ^^ But no worries. I will be working on the sequel after it ends. I would never dream of disappointing you guys! You've supported me so long and I really, really appreciate every single reader/reviewer I have. So Arigato! You have made my year better! here you go, the next chapter of Longing. Enjoy!
Kari
"Aizen-sama, there is something that requires your attention in the surveillance room." Tousen told him.
He looked up at me and nodded his head. "Would you care to join me, Hikari-chan?"
As much as I wanted to tell him to jump off a cliff, I felt myself nodding and trying to rise to my feet.
"Do you need assistance?" He asked, extending his hand to me.
I inwardly cringed as I placed my hand in his and let him help me up. "Thank you."
I took a few steps and felt secure enough to let go of his hand. He didn't seem upset about my sudden withdraw from him. I walked beside him through the corridors until we came to a metal door. Tousen opened it and I followed the two former shinigami into the room. Inside, I faced numerous screens, all filled with images of hallways and rooms.
"It seems Kuutso has taken Izuma." Aizen said, watching one monitor. "Send someone to retrieve her."
Tousen nodded and left us alone in the large room. Aizen's eyes ran over each of the screens, watching. I didn't know what exactly he was looking for but a flash of red caught my attention and my eyes flipped to the image. I recognized the Espada, although I had know idea what her name was. I watched her pick up a brown haired man. When he turned his face I could him clearly for a second before he was thrown through a wall. "E.J.!" I cried. what are you doing here?
"It seems they've brought you're brother with them. Does he have powers as well?"
"N- no." I stuttered, still shocked over the fact my brother was here.
"It was foolish on their part then." he smirked and turned his attention to another screen. I could see his face from the corner of my eye, and his smile was still present. A small chuckled erupted from the man and I openly stared at him.
"What's so funny?"
He didn't respond, he just kept looking at the monitor in front of him. I let my gaze drift to where he was looking. My eyes widened, my hand covering my mouth in an attempt to silence my scream. On the screen I could see Ichigo bent over in a hallway, his body shaking violently. He brought his hand away from his face and I could see the blood staining it. A soft whisper was all I could muster. If I was any louder I might lose it. "Ichigo."
"It seems that the poison is effecting him more than I thought." another laugh and my stomach notched. "I might not have to send anyone to dispose of him. He's already at his limit."
I watched him run out of the camera's view, his body still shuddering under the stress he was putting on it. He was pushing himself to the limit. At this rate, he really going to die. I sank to my knees, my breakfast threatening to spill out all over the floor. "Ichigo, why?"
Aizen lowered himself next to me, resting a hand on my back. "Are you feeling well?"
"No, I'm….sick."
"Well, that's to be expected at this point." He said, lifting me to my feet. "Come, I'll take you back to my room."
I followed him back in complete silence. My stomach lurched and tumbled as we came to the double doors. He opened them and I found my way to the bathroom. I shut the door behind me and sank to the floor. Tears sprang into my eyes. Ichigo was here. But he was in so much pain. So much pain, because of me. He was in this mess because was a fool. I was so stubborn. I should have known to let him help from the beginning. Now, I may never see him again. Even if he did survive the poison, there's no way he'd survive an Espada attack. Especially if it was Grimmjow, or Jonathan. A tear fell from my eyes and landed on my lap, my hand resting on my stomach. "Mommy's sorry, she screwed up. If daddy dies, it's all her fault." Speaking to my unborn child dislodged all the anger and sadness inside my heart and without warning all the emotions broke through the dam that had been keeping them at bay. Tears clouded my vision, sobs racking my body. I felt like I was going to puke, cry, and drown inside myself at the same time. I ran my hands through my long wavy hair trying to calm myself. I wouldn't think about Ichigo right now. If I did, I'd lose myself. Right now, I just had to think about Iz, the baby and it's survival. I was going to get out of here no matter what. I stood, looking in the mirror, defiance in my reflection. "Don't worry little one," I said rubbing my stomach. "Mommy's going to get us the hell out of here."
Ichigo
I couldn't believe what had just happened. Had I really just teamed up with Grimmjow? My biggest enemy, aside from Aizen. Did I really just hand Iz over to him, and did he really just save my life? I watched after him as he walked down the hall.
"Oi, ya comin or what?" he called over his shoulder.
I shook my head to get shake the thoughts from it. "Yeah," If I had any chance of finding Kari I would have to just trust him. He seemed to want to get her sister out of here, badly. I wondered what had changed the dangerous Espada. I watched him holding her carefully, as though she would crumble in his arms. Could he? No, there was no way. Grimmjow didn't care about anyone but himself. But as I walked behind him, I couldn't help but feel that a major change had occurred in him, and the cause was lying unconscious in his arms.
I coughed again, it was like the poison was trying to come back up. Shit, it hurt. Worse than Grimmjow sticking that needle in my chest. Honestly I had been more worried about him killing me. I guess he really thought he needed me. That was fine. If it meant we weren't fighting then so be it. I'd fight him later, now we had a common goal. He looked behind him at me. "Hey, we got a problem."
"What is it?" I choked out between coughs.
"Don't you feel it?" He asked, annoyance crossing his face.
I raised my eyebrow. Now that he mentioned it, I did feel the rise of a spiritual pressure nearby. "Actually, yeah. Who-?"
He picked up the pace. "It's Curtis." He growled. "We gotta go, now."
I jogged to catch up with him. "Wait, Curtis? That's not a normal name."
"That's cuz he's not a normal Espada. He knew Iz and Hikari back in the human world."
Realization hit me and I tried to control my anger. "Jonathan." I said, my teeth grinding together.
"That's what Hikari calls him too." He replied.
"Kari, did he, did he do anything to her?" I asked, worried about his response.
He was quiet for awhile. "I really don't know. I got there after she started screaming, but I don't think he got to her, she set the place on fire. " His muscles tensed and his fingers dug into the sleeves of Iz's shirt. "But…I didn't get to Iz….I was gone." his tone was regretful. I didn't even know he could feel remorse or guilt.
"He's been after them for a long time." I said, not knowing what else to say really. "I'm going to make him pay for what's he's done."
Grimmjow laughed. "Yeah, I can see that happening now. Ya can't even lift your zanpakuto for more than a minute. You'd be fuckin crushed by his iron fist."
"Yeah well I can feel my strength returning. I'll be in perfect shape to fight soon."
He glanced over to me, the seriousness back in his eyes. "That's good Kurosaki, cuz we're gonna need it."
I felt a blast behind us. I turned around. No one was there but I could feel the dominating spiritual pressure coming closer, and it was angry. "Shit."
Iz's eyes fluttered open. "Grimmjow?"
He looked down at her. "Hey kid, you strong enough to stay awake?"
She nodded and he kneeled down on the ground. "Alright, then you're gonna have to climb on my back and hang on, got it?"
Again she nodded and carefully walked around him and put her arms around his neck. He slipped his arms under her legs, lifted her up and turned to me. "Get ready Kurosaki.'
"To what?"
He blasted a cero through the wall, exposing the outside of Los Noches. "To start running."
Jonathan was strong. I could tell that from meeting him in the human world, and considering he was the Primera Esapda…he was strong. Stronger than us right now. "Let's go." I replied and shunpo'd ahead of him.
Iz
When I opened my eyes I was in Grimmjow's arms. A sense of relief swept over me. I was no longer in Kuutso's lab, I didn't have to worry about turning into a monster. I looked up at him and he smiled. "Hey Kid, ya strong enough to stay awake?" I nodded. I was strong enough to do anything if he was with me. "Alright then you're gonna have to climb on my back and hang on got it?' I nodded yes and he knelt down, letting me walk behind him. Each step was a challenge but I managed it. I put my arms around his neck and felt myself being lifted by his strong hands. "Get ready Kurosaki."
Kurosaki? I turned my head to see a orange haired man standing there. I recognized him immediately. That was Kari's boyfriend. How did he get here? He looked at Grimmjow curiously. 'To what?"
Grimmjow let go of one of my legs and I held on as he blasted a red light out of his hand. The walls before us fell in a crash and he tuned to the orange haired man again. "To start running."
"Get's get going." he replied taking off at such speed he was nothing but a blur to my eyes.
Suddenly I was jolted forward. I grabbed onto Grimmjow tightly. We were flying through the air. Well, maybe not flying per say, but it felt like it. I could make out the orange bob in front of us and then he was beside me. Grimmjow called out to him. "Listen, we got to get the kid away from Curtis before he can do anything else. Once she's safe we can find Hikari."
"Kari." Kurosaki corrected.
"whatever." He snorted. "We just got to get her out first."
"Where's Kari Grimmjow?"
He didn't say anything for a moment. "She's with Aizen."
Kurosaki's face fell and I pressed my cheek into the back of Grimmjow's neck. I knew what that meant. If my sister was with Aizen then it would be hard to get her out of there. "She's strong." I said weakly. "She'll find a way to get away from him."
Kurosaki looked surprised at my comment, maybe because it was coming from me, but he smiled. "You're right. She is strong."
I closed my eyes and held onto Grimmjow tightly. I didn't want him to leave me ever again. I knew he would come for me, but the fact that he was really here, carrying me away from my prison made my heart ache in my chest. I knew Curtis was coming. I could feel him. But as long as Grimmjow was here, I'd be safe. I just had to keep believing that he would protect me no matter what. Maybe….maybe…he cared after all.
Grimmjow
His spiritual pressure was gaining. He was closing in on us. My mind raced with the possibilities of what could happen if he caught up. I looked ahead at my orange haired enemy. Kurosaki wouldn't be able to fight yet. The antidote was still taking time to heal him. Iz felt heavy on my back. Since when was she heavy? She mumbled something and I glanced over my shoulder. Those dark pools looked at me, no…looked through me. Something in my chest hurt. If Curtis caught up with us, he'd take her from me. Why did that possibility hurt so much? That just brought up more questions I had been holding back until now. Like Why I was doing this in the first place? And Why was I helping the enemy? I should be fighting Kurosaki right now, not helping him. Why the fuck was I doing this? I fought back the choking sound coming from my throat. I was helping him because it would get the kid out of here.
"Grimmjow?" Her voice sounded like the wind blowing through my hair. Calm, and swift. It was like I was hearing it for the first time. This kid, why had I not seen it before? She had changed everything in me…and I could care less.
Hikari's words rang in my ears. "It sounds like you love her."
Tch. What the fuck am I doing!
"Are you ok?" Again her voice, like an angel sighing.
I'm protecting Iz. That's all. I can't allow him to hurt her anymore. It doesn't mean I love her right? I''m an Espada. I don't love. I can't….
Kurosaki's yelled to me. "Oi! Come on! He's gaining!"
He snapped me out of my thoughts. I felt Curtis's rieatsu. He was right. It was close. He would be here in mere minutes. I felt myself hold onto her legs tighter. I wouldn't let him have her! He wouldn't take her from me! I stopped, pulling her over my shoulder and into my arms. "Kurosaki."
He stopped running and turned around, eyes wide with confusion. "What the hell? Now is not the time to be taking a break!"
Iz looked up at me, worry crossing her features. "Grimmjow…what's going on?"
I held her to me for a second, knowing what I was about to do would make her hate me forever. "Take her Kurosaki." I said, walking over to him.
He shifted his wieght from one foot to the other. "What? Why?"
"someone has to fight him. And you're in no fuckin shape to do it now."
They both looked at me like I was crazy. "What are saying?" Iz whispered. I set her down, letting her stand. Her legs wobbled but she held her ground, one hand holding onto my arm for balance.
I shook my head. "I gotta fight that bastard. It's the only way I know you'll be safe."
Kurosaki scowled. "You're fuckin nuts! You can't think you'll beat him! He's the Primera Espada! I haven't seen his release but I can feel how powerful he is. I know you've seen his strength. There's no fuckin way you'll win."
I looked down, my eyes lingering on Iz's before they snapped back up to meet his. "you don't think I don't fuckin know that? I know I can't beat him. I'm not goin to fight cuz I think I can win."
"Then….?"
"I'm buying ya some more time. You're the only one with the capability to get Iz outta here." I took a breath and stared at him. "I never thought I'd fuckin be sayin this, especially to you, but please Kurosaki, promise me you'll keep her safe."
"I…don't…know…" He began but saw my pleading expression. "I've already made that promise. I'll get her home. Don't worry about it."
Iz's face lit up with realization and she balled her fist before striking me in the chest, right above my hollow hole. "BAKA! Baka! Baka! No you can't do this! You said you'd get me out of here! You said you'd protect me. Not hand me off to him! I don't even know him! He may be my sister's boyfriend but I don't know him! Please don't do this Grimmjow!" tears threatened to spill from her eyes. "I know what this means…I'm not fuckin stupid! I know you don't understand anything about feelings…and that you probably can't have the same feelings towards me…but I love you! I lo-"
I put a hand over her mouth. "You talk to much."
She bit my hand. I pulled it away from her. "And you're a fuckin jerk." she spat, turning her back to me. I could tell by the look on Kurosaki's face that she was crying. "You promised…"
I grabbed her and pulled her to me. I could feel her hot tears against my chest. "Sorry kid. This is the only way I can protect you." I whispered and pressed a pressure point on her neck, causing her to fall unconscious. I caught her before she fell to the ground. "I expect you to keep your promise Kurosaki."
He took her in his arms. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"It's the only way" I replied, thinking back on Kuutso's words.
"You don't think you can posses any kind of feelings do you? I've already researched that Grimmjow. What you think you're feeling is fake. It's just a projection of her feelings on you. Nothing more."
It could be true. But even if it was i wouldn't take back my decision. I sighed and cracking my knuckles, continued. "Tch..and I was looking forward to fightin ya."
He looked like he was disappointed. "Yeah…me too. I wanted to kick your ass pretty bad."
"Yeah right. I woulda wiped the sand with ya." I faked a smile. I noticed a small smirk on his face and turned away from him. I didn't want him to see the pain on mine as I walked away. "Now, get the fuck outta here!" I yelled. "Go find Your girlfriend and protect that baby of yours."
"Sure…wait. Wha-?" I could hear his voice crack. "Ba…baby?"
Oh yeah. He doesn't know yet. I let out a small laugh. "Fuck, boy do ya got a surprised waiting on ya Kurosaki. Now fuckin leave. You've got my girl's life in your hands now. don't make me regret savin your ass." I turned to look at him. His face was pale and he looked like he didn't hear a word I had said. "Oi! Strawberry? Did ya hear me! Get yer ass movin!"
That woke him up. "Right." He muttered and spun around. I watched him leave, Iz's unconscious form in his arms. He shunpo'd away quickly until her face was nothing more than a fading memory. I couldn't even feel her reastu anymore.
Good. He'll be a lot faster than me soon. He's healing quick that little bastard. I looked across the sand, Curtis would be here in a few moments. I cracked my neck and sighed. Well Grimmjow. This is it. I didn't have to be an Espada anymore at least until I had to fight. I could let the pain, that had been welling up in my chest out. I only have a few seconds before Curtis gets here anyway. What would it hurt? I closed my eyes, her face flashing in front of them, and let the words I couldn't tell her slip from my lips. "I Can't fuckin believe ya got me sayin shit like this kid." He's closer. " But you were wrong. I do understand now. I do understand what feelings are." Any moment now. "Humans….do they feel this way before they do something so stupid?" I opened my eyes. Ready for this to be finally be real. "Iz. I couldn't understand before. But I do now…I do share your feelings…I…I love ya."
He shindo'd in front of me, eyes wild with hatred. "Grimmjow! I Didn't expect you to be waiting. Although I'm kinda glad." He chuckled, then narrowed his eyes, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "I've been wanting to kill you for a long time."
"Well then, I shouldn't keep you waiting princess. " I grinned and pulled my sword from my sash, my hand sweeping across it. "Grind Pantera!"
Outskirt of Los Noches
Renji jumped behind a boulder, waiting for his moment to strike. He needed a plan. A good plan. One that was fool proof, because if he made a mistake, it would be the end of him. He sighed, thinking that maybe it wasn't such a good idea to split up after all.
"Come out Shinigami! Fight me, if you dare! Or are you scared of being turned to a crumbling rock?"
He rested his head against the boulder. "Shit, Ichigo, if I don't make it out of this, I hope that you at least get your girl out of here." He slid hid hand down Zabimaru. He would do whatever it would take to give Ichigo the time he needed.
A rumbling voice sounded behind him. "God you're such a pussy Abari."
Renji spun around and saw Zaraki standing behind him. "Zaraki!"
"Keep your voice down fool," He hissed.
Renji nodded. "thought you went out to find a good fight?"
"Are ya stupid." The looming figure asked. "This is the best fight I've come across. This chick is bad news. She's a perfect opponent."
The red heads mouth fell open. "She can turn shit to stone!"
Zarki smiled. "That's why she's so fuckin interestin." he took a seat next to the lieutenant. "But I'll play it safe this time and make a plan. It's true I came to fight but I'd feel bad if I let Kurosaki down, I'd like another match with him someday. If I charge in and get turned to stone I wouldn't get that chance."
"Glad you're so concerned about Ichigo." Renji muttered sarcastically. He crept forward and looked across the sand. Chiara was still there, her wings flared out and her pink eyes blazing. "Damn, we'll have to find a weakness."
Zaraki kicked him so he fell out onto the ground in front of the rock.
"Hey what the hell was that for!" He screeched, staring at Chiara's advancing form.
"Ya said you needed to find her weakness." The man boomed. "So find it!"
"Asshole." Renji muttered grabbing Zabimaru and preparing to fight.
"So you've come out." she said, her voice unchanged. "Good, I hate hide and seek."
E.J. watched as Hinta charged at Rukia. Her release changing her, her long red hair shorting and her ears growing out like a lions. The small jawbone on the side of her face disappeared and the bone fragment reappeared around her neck. She growled and lunged at Rukia. Rukia barely had time to respond and stumbled backwards. At that moment, something inside him snapped. He knew she was capable of protecting herself but he couldn't stop himself. "Rukia!" He screamed and jumped of the side of the balcony. It wasn't logical thinking, but then again what was logical about him being in this other world and having powers? He did what his instincts told him to do, when he saw Hinta start changing. And his insticnts told him to jump.
Rukia saw him jump and a strangle cry escaped her throat. "E.J! No!"
Now he was falling through the air, the wind whistling in his ears. But he wasn't even concerned, because the ground was rushing to meet him, much sooner than he anticipated. In fact, it was if the ground was trying to find his feet again. Dirt rose up and engulfed him, cushioning his landing. "Rukia!" he yelled again, emerging from the dust and debris.
Hinta scoffed, ignoring his presence and continued her assault. But E.J. wouldn't be ignored. He threw up his hand, causing the ground around the Espada to raise and toss her across the landscape. "Get the hell up Espada!" He cursed, anger taking over his features. He strode over to her, why he felt no fear was an enigma. "I'm done with your shit!" He spat, glaring daggers his lion-like enemy. "You're fight's now with me."
So hopefully Grimmjow's part wasn't to cheesy. I tried to not make it sappy but still give off the right feelings. he's discovering that he does in fact love her. so...hopefully i didn't fail at this. *sighs* ok. so please let me know what you think with a review. ^^ they really make me happy and make me want to keep writing the story. so show me some love hmm. ^^ pretty please with a cherry on top. :D
