I'm back! This chapter was originally going to be split in two but since you've all been patient I'll give you an extended chappy. Enjoy!

Episode 53: Adoration

Sheehari stares with a look of caution. "I'm too late it seems...Three of our subordinates have been slain and another critically injured from your attack...Michael please treat Rangiku's wounds."

"Yes sir-" I stop him by crossing my claws against his scythe.

"NO BROTHER! You will stay so I can let your master see the death of his own student."

I glance over and notice Sheehari nod his head to Hisagi, instructing him to tend to the wounded. The battle-scarred subordinate flies to the ground, leaving the three of us to quarrel.

"Captain Sheehari may I subdue the Arrancar for you?" Michael grits his teeth.

Sheehari lowers Michaels hands. "You should rest for now...If I fall we will need someone to send reinforcements."

"Hai Taicho." My brother responds in Japanese.

"So was this your intent all along Sheehari...To place one sibling over the other, and have them fight each other for your little game of puppets?"

Sheehari shows no response and unsheaths his sword, preparing for combat. "I did not wish for the two of you to become sworn enemies, however it has been fated that you were to become a hollow and he a Shinigami."

"What's that supposed to mean? You left me there to die whilst my brother was taken to Soul Society...I can never forgive you for that punishment Mitzuki Sheehari."

"Well then, perhaps I can at least forgive myself when I end your tragic life."

I become enraged and charge bearing my claws. "GRAAGGGHH!" He captures my claws as they pass with his free hand and slices down on my hands with his sword. He cleanly slices off my hands however I' able to instantly regenerate the clawed hands. I shoot my projections towards him but he weaves to the side in a casual display of Shunpo. I'm starting to get frustrated and shoot out my claws in random positions. I spot him below but I only skewer a blur as he reappears in front of me with his sword raised. I just manage to block with my claws in the nick of time before he slides his leg out and wraps it around mine prompting me to fall backwards. However I thrust backward until I can escape his grip. I recover my position before he heads towards me with a flying kick. I try to stab the sole of his foot but he has already vanished. I feel a heavy impact on the back of my head as he drives through with his leg. That last hit was pretty intense and my vision is starting to fade, but I must continue to fight. For pride, for survival.

"Jucio Cero" I try and shoot my eight orbs of destruction but their trajectories are scattered as I feel dizzy. Mitzuki grapples my arms from behind and locks me in a submission hold. "DAMMIT. Your going to defeat me without using your sword."

"Actually I'm offering to spare your life this time..." He surprises me with an ultimatum. "Don't come back to Karakura Town, tell Aizen to call off this war, and everything will be fine."

"Do you really think he would agree to that?" I try and face him. "Besides how can you expect me to walk away from my sworn enemy?"

"Because I have every pressure point in my grasp and could kill you before you had the chance to say 'cero'."

Faced with no other option but death I accept this defeat. "Very well then...I will see if we can end this petty war...Colgado, Dibujado y Quartered"

Michaels voice erupts. "SHEEHARI LOOK OUT!" Sheehari can't escape in time from my close quarters attack and is impaled through his back. I use my body to throw him off but he manages to awkwardly grip the air, leaving a trail of dust at his feet.

"Come Wonderweiss let's go." I usher my mentally deficient subordinate into the Garganta.

"NO! I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY!" Michael swings his scythe but my two Fraccion suddenly appear in front of me – blocking the Zanpakuto.

"Sorry but we weren't able to find Grimmjow but we sensed your reiatsu fading and decided to return here."

"That's fine my Fraccion." I procure a wicked smile as I observe the Captain hunching over and my brother staring vengeful daggers. "Whether Grimmjow is with us or not it does not concern me. Aizen will crush this Town and Soul Society."

LATER IN THE MAIN HALL OF LAS NOCHES

"...And so we were unfortunately unable to retrieve Grimmjow...my greatest apologies Lord Aizen." I bow my head in loyalty and shame.

"That is quite alright Banzai Benendes...Grimmjow was...a lost cause after all."

"I will ensure that I do not let you down next time." I vow to Lord Aizen.

"That's good to hear...now where is Ulquiorra?"

The Fourth Espada pushes open the titan doors that make up the hall. With an ear-piercing creak he emerges with a young chestnut haired lady by his side. "I have returned Lord Aizen...with the girl you desired."

"Welcome to Las Noches Orihime Inoue." Lord Aizen greets our guest as he strolls down the stairs. She is still wearing her school uniform so I'm guessing she has come here against her will. "Do not be alarmed, we are not going to harm you the slightest." He brushes away her hair. "I would like you to offer your assistance for us."

She doesn't respond. I read the fear and apprehension in her eyes which paralyse her soul.

Aizen continues as he paces across the floor. "I am aware of your ability to reject events...such a power defies even God's will – no we know there is no God...just the Spirit King..." He spins around to face Orihime. "I need your abilities to aid us in our goal to take the Oken and overthrow such a deity."

Although her body has frozen, I can feel her spirit trembling at this mighty figure. I would almost feel sorry for her, yet she can still feel the warmth which emits from her heart. This makes me envy such humans; my body remains colder than the ice of the Antarctic.

"Shall I escort our guest to her chambers?" Ulquiorra requests from his master.

Aizen displays a subtle nod to instruct Ulquiorra "Ulquiorra will be you caretaker for the duration of your stay here Orihime Inoue".

Ulquiorra as her custodian? Why would Aizen appoint the Fourth Espada to bring her here? What purpose does she serve other than healing? What could be their true motive? I should investigate. I turn to my master and bow in humility."May I also be dismissed Lord Aizen?"

"Yes Banzai...but before you go I would like to ask something..."

I finally catch up to Ulquiorra who seems to be carrying some garments for Orihime. "Sorry Ulquiorra, I was just checking on the welfare of our new servant."

Ulquiorra turns away. "The girl is fine."

"Why did Aizen select you to obtain the human anyway?"

Ulquiorra appears slightly provoked but maintains his neutral expression. "There is no particular reason other than I have previously been exposed to her abilities."

"So have I and Yammy."

"Yammy is having his hand reattached and you were engaged in another important mission, now if you'll excuse me I must attend to Aizen's fledgling."

"Could it be that you have some sort of affinity with this girl?" I keep up with his pace.

"That is preposterous, why even entertain the idea?"

"I noticed your reiatsu was briefly synchronised with hers. When Aizen walked over her reiatsu flickered and so did your in much the same fashion."

"Aizen has a dominating effect on all of the Espada – including the Primera Espada, including yourself."

My taunts go further. "Look Ulquiorra, it won't be long before the other Espada cotton on to this little thing you share with the human, it could damage your reputation as an Espada, in fact, you may even be demoted...Allow me to take care of her instead."

"I will not accept, besides Aizen's order is final. Now go make yourself useful elsewhere." He walks further down the corridor.

"You're a hollow Schiffer! Devoid of a heart...don't forget it." I hide my own infidelity as I clench my fist in envy. Why didn't Aizen choose me as her guardian? Perhaps she could have healed my broken heart.


Lust and envy...two deadly sins that could lead to my downfall...Will I be able to resist temptation and avoid sin? Or will I succumb to vice? Don't miss the next dramatic chapter!