First off... I want to apologize for my little diva moment when I posted the last chapter. I was in a bit of a emotional funk when I posted it. I work a night shift, and it sometimes effects me- in terms of lack of sleep and how I feel about life in general. The lack of human contact doesn't help with my perspective on things either... I'm a security guard (in case you're wondering), and sadly the half-built houses and fishing boats don't offer much in the way of company during the night.
Anyway, I want to give a shout out to NovaAlexandria, for continuing her amazing story, in spite of some difficult personal matters (that I won't get into). I also want to thank Flurry of Freezing Flames, AnimeRideorDieFreak, K Double Prime, and the anonymous "Guest" for their reviews. Thank you all so much for letting me know what you guys thought about the story so far. On that note, I guess there has been a lack of UlquiHime content in previous chapters, though it will pick up more later on.
And finally: I mentioned this before, but it bares repeating. I've written this as an M-rated story, but the adult content doesn't really come in till chapter 10. I'll probably just raise the rating to an M sometime between when I post chapter 9 and 10.
TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW
Chapter VI:
"Reconciliation, Part 1"
Urahara was siting on a metal folding chair, before the gathered Vizard- the eight former Shinigami all listening intently as he spoke. "While Aizen was defeated, Soul Society still suffered some pretty heavy losses in the conflict." He explained. "At the moment, only five of the thirteen Divisions are operating at full capacity... Divisions 2 and 8 are on limited duties- with their Captains recovering from injuries sustained during the battle- and the other five have been deemed unfit for deployment."
"Hey, did you shave today?" Mashiro asked with a curious smile, sitting cross legged on the folding table that Kensei was casually leaning back against.
"Never mind that," Urahara replied. "Any way, without the Central 46, the remaining Captains have formed an interim governing body to handle Soul Society's more pressing concerns- such as the serious lack of manpower and experienced officers."
"Wait a secant, what's up with your clothes?" Love asked. "Did you have them ironed this morning before coming here?" He asked, adjusting his reflective visor.
The scruffy man sighed. "Priorities, guys. Right now, how I look is not one of them." He replied with some effort. "As I was about to say... At the request of the Captains, I have put together a series of proposals, which I will be presenting to them today."
The twang of a guitar string sounded. "Are we to take it that this is the reason why you're not in your usual attire?" Rose remarked. "I was wondering why you weren't in your pajamas."
"First off, they aren't 'pajamas'... And secondly, you all make it sound like you've never seen me wear anything else before today." Urahara replied, his up his hands. He was dressed in muted green kimono, tucked into a matching pair of hakama, along with his long coat and striped hat. His fan and cane were even tucked into the dark sash tied around his waist.
"The last time I remember you wearing pants was in the Showa Era." Lisa replied, briefly glancing at him before going back to her girly mag. "It was 1982, I remember because Shonen Champion has just published the tenth anniversary addition omnibus of Cutey Honey."
"Man, that year was boring!" Mashiro exclaimed. "Kamen Rider Super-1 ended the previous year and it was two whole years until Birth of the 10 came out!"
"Can we focus for a moment?" Urahar snapped. "The reason why I'm here right now, is because the Gotei Council has requested that all of you attend their upcoming meeting."
"What the hell's that supposed ta mean, is this some kinda tea party invitation?" Hiyori asked him in her usual brusk tone, her arms crossed in visible annoyance.
Rose said nothing, half-listening as he idly tuned his guitar. For her part, Lisa was looking through the gravour-style swimsuit models in the pages, while pretending that he wasn't interested in what the man before them had to say. The others weren't much help, with Hacchi maintaining polite silence and Love digging in his ear. Mashiro was being her usually cheerful, clueless self... Though, Kensei seemed as if he was on the verge of saying something- if only to break the silence.
Shinji shook his head. "Urahara," he began. "Your statement is rather vague... Perhaps you could elaborate on what exactly is that they want?" The blunt-cut blond asked.
"I'm glad you asked Hiraku-san." Urahara replied with a smile, removing a folded up piece of paper from his overcoat. He unfolded it and cleared his throat...
"The members of the Gotei Council formally requests the presence of the eight individuals known as the Vizard for the upcoming council meeting: Shinji Hirako, Rojuro Otoribashi, Kensei Mugurama, Mashiro Kuna, Love Aikawa, Hiyori Sarugaki, Lisa Yadomaru, Hachigen Ushoda.
In light of recent events, it is the decision of the Gotei Council that the unlawful exile imposed upon these individuals should be rescinded. Furthermore, it is the decision of the Council that the significant contributions made by the Vizard be recognized in a meaningful and lasting way.
Signed: Captain Retsu Unohana, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki , Captain Sajin Komamura, Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya, and Captain Jushiro Ukitake."
Rose stopped strumming his guitar, Hiyori's glare fell, and Lisa finally looked up from her magazine. Urahara smirked and silently wondered who had written what parts of the invitation...
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
At the Division 12 Research & Development Center: Szayel, Nemu, and Akon were keeping track of data-streams on numerous monitors in the large room...
"What sort of readings are you two getting?" Szayel asked.
"We're positive on most of the critical locations..." Akon began. "But... we're still reading numerous blind spots throughout the communication grid." The Third Seat explained.
"Confirmed," Nemu remarked. "Two-way communications between the Central Chamber, the Division Headquarters, and the Academy established." She reported. "However, the parameter checkpoints and and our observation outposts still aren't registering."
"Well, it's something, at least..." Szayel remarked idly. "At least we don't have to worry about those roving brown-outs in the city anymore." He reasoned wryly. "Thankfully, we now have the necessary facilities to host the peace talks between our two sides."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Orihime wanted to speak with Hachigan Ushoda, about the possibility of restoring Nelliel back to her adult self. It was her hope that he could help her perfect a way of using her powers of Negation to undo the damage to her Hollow Mask that caused her to devolve.
So, when she'd learned that they'd been summoned to the Seireitei, she'd spoken to Kisuke about asking the Captains if she could come to Soul Society. It would also be a chance for her to touch base with her friends and observe how things were progressing. She was surprised when Ulquiorra offered to take her there via a Gargantua, but he explained that he needed to speak to Szayel anyway...
Inside the Central Chamber...
"One hundred and ten years ago," Ukitake began calmly. "The nine individuals now standing before us were forced into exile." The white-haired Captain explained. "They weren't the first victims of Aizen's schemes, nor would they be the last." He continued. "However, while we can't change the past, it is now within our power to make a difference in the present."
"These people, once our friends and colleagues, now stand amongst us, no longer as the pariahs we were lead to believe them to be." Ukitake paused. "The 'Vizard', as they've come to be known, are still the people we knew, as is Urahara-san." He explained. "And so, is the hope of this Council that they rejoin our ranks- for some, as friends, and others... as Captains."
"In the wake of recent events," Captain Kyoraku began. "The Third, Fifth, Ninth and Twelfth Divisions are currently leaderless." The swordsman explained. "Given that the former Captains of these Divisions are now before us... Hirako-san, Otoribashi-san, Mugurama-san, Urahara-san, if the four of you are prepared to accept, then the leadership of these Divisions are yours once more."
Shinji rubbed his chin. "Our old positions, just like that?"
"You led the Fifth, Shinji-san, your skills and intellect are needed now more than ever, and you have a capable Lieutenant in the form of Momo Hinamori." Shunsiu replied.
He became silent for a moment, then nodded. "...Then I accept."
"And you, Otoribashi-san?" Unohana asked. "The members of the Third, especially Lieutenant Izuru, need a strong leader more than ever... Will you?"
Rose brushed a strand of wavy blond hair out his eyes. "I understand... Far be it for to deny the request of my fellows in this time of need." He replied suavely.
Kensei spoke up. "The offer, does it extend it Mashiro?" He asked. "You must have appointed someone to replace her as well?" He asked in a serious tone. "What then, am I going to have choose between the person who served with me and the equally deserving Officer who replaced her?"
"That's not going to be a problem," Ukitake replied with a smile. "I myself have two Lieutenants, so I see problem in both Shuhei-san and Mashiro-san serving as your Lieutenants."
Mashiro cheered, and Kensei shook his head, before smirking. "Then we accept."
"What about you, Urahara-san?" Komamura asked.
He shook his head. "I'm afraid I'll have to decline." Urahara began. "I've made a life for myself in the living world, I know their ways." The pale blond explained. "I have friends there waiting for me, a home, not to mention a successful business... As tempting as the offer is, I can do more good in the living world than I ever could here." He finished with a smile.
"However, I think I know of someone who's more than qualified for the position." Urahara continued in a relaxed tone. "Someone who, from what I've heard, has proven themselves to be more than capable of leading the Twelfth." He explained with a confident smile. "And I believe Lieutenant Kurotsuchi will support me in nominating Szayel Alporro Grantz as the new Captain of Division 12."
Nemu had been momentarily taken aback- just before Urahara had made his announcement, he's turned to give her a knowing smile. She quickly composed herself and stood up. "Urahara-san is correct, I am more than prepared to support him as my Captain." She declared.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
While not totally unexpected, Urahara's nomination of Szayel Alporro Grantz to lead Division Twelve was still something of a coup. Byakuya had called a short recess, to give everyone a chance to process the idea before properly discussing it. For his part, Urahara had only smiled at the sound of murmuring coming from the audience in the Central Chamber.
Orihime waved down Hachigan. The large, towering man quickly turned to great the young woman with a smile. "Inoue-san, hello." He greeted her. "It is good to see you again," the slow, gentle tone of his voice in contrast with his figure. "What can I do for you?"
She gave a quick, polite bow of her head. "While coming to rescue me, Kurosaki and the others met a little girl in the desserts of Huecco Mundo who helped them get to Las Noches." Orihime explained to the large man before her. "They reached me, but while we were escaping- the Espada kept appearing to attack Kurosaki, like they had something to prove by killing him."
She paused, collecting her thoughts. "The little girl I mention, I only knew her as 'Nell-chan', but she changed forms for a while, she became a different person- the Espada attacking us recognized her and called her 'Nelliel-Tu'." Orihime continued. "Neliell almost defeated him, but then she reverted back to her child form before she could finish him off."
"But, why come to me with this information?" Hachigan asked.
"The reason she turned into a child was because she'd was attacked in the past, and her Mask Fragment was damaged in the attack." Orihime revealed. "Right now, there's nothing I can do to help Kurosaki, but I think I can do something for the person who saved our lives. I owe it to Nell-chan, for everything she did to help us, to do whatever I can to restore her true self."
The pink-haired man became quiet, then nodded. "I see, and you think your powers of Negation can restore her to her old self?" He asked softly.
The redhead nodded. "Hopefully, yes." Orihime replied. "As I've grown more aware of my powers, I've been able to do things I never could have imagined... I restored a severed arm, I healed Kurosaki when he was stabbed in the heart and all but dead, I even rejected Ulquiorra's death- his body was turning to ashes, but I stopped it." She explained, her pulse quickening. "But in those cases, I was dealing with physical damage, while Nell's Mask Fragment was damaged."
"Yes, it's not quite the same..." Hachigan replied with a nod. "If our Masks are damaged, we Vizard simply temporarily loose our Hollow powers." He continued. "But, for a Hollow, their Mask is part of them, if it's damaged, they'll start leaking reiatsu, devolve, and eventually die... That is, if they're not eaten by another Hollow attracted by the scent of their spiritual energy."
"But for some reason, that didn't happen... Her form changed, but the power she had when she was an Espada is still inside her." Orihime crossed her arms. "I came to you, Hacchi-san, because your powers of Spacial Restoration are similar to my Negation- you brought back Tsubaki, even without a single bit of his body, because of the link to Shun Shun Rika." She recounted.
"Even if I don't fully understand the nature of the damage, do you think it's possible to restore Nell's form through her connection to her Mask Fragment?"
A large hand came up to rub his chin thoughtfully. After a moment, he looked back down to the young woman before him. "Yes, it might just be possible."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Szayel was in the Central Chamber. He was dressed his Las Noches uniform- tight white and black high-necked jacket and pants, with a white lab coat over it. He smiled coolly, silently watching as the assembly discussed his formal appointment. Some of the Vizard were back, along with Stark and Lilinette, Halibell and her Fraccions, and even (a half-interested) Ulquiorra.
"No one here is questioning Grantz-san's technical and scientific competency," Lieutenant Sasakibe began in an even tone. "But you must realize, Urahara-san, that even the suggestion of an Arrancar commanding one of the Elite Court Guard Division is extremely unorthodox."
Urahara nodded. "I understand," he began. "But this Council sought my advise, they tasked me with finding ways of helping Soul Society." The ex-Shinigami continued. "At this moment, Soul Society is faced with a harsh choice- to either adapt, or become irrelevant." The blond-haired man explained, his tone and expression serious. "For almost nine centuries, Soul Society has maintained the balance between the realms, but times have changed, and the Shinigami must move with the times."
"The days of black and white thinking are over, the nature of the threat we now face is firmly rooted in the varying shades of gray." Urahara continued. "Never forget that the very system we put our faith in was so masterfully manipulated by Aizen- we need only look to the morgues, filled with bodies, to see the consequences of blind adherence to a system that would condone dislike of the unlike."
"Just what exactly are you implying, Urahara-san?" Captain Komamaru asked.
"Accountability, he's talking about the atrocities we turned a blind eye to." Captain Hitsugaya remarked suddenly, his voice grave. "I may be young, but I'm not naïve... And I won't hold my tongue while the truth is buried along with the dead." He continued. "Grantz-san, I expect you will have uncovered some rather interesting information since you set up at the Twelfth?"
Everyone, including the other Captains, exchanged looks. "We have already spoken on the matter regarding Mayuri Kurotsuchi's actions." Lieutenant Sasakibe asked. "With respect, I would ask the Captain how this is relevant to the discussion at hand?"
"How unusual for the prodigal Ice Dragon to be so passionate..." Captain Ukitake remarked, giving him a small knowing smile. "Whatever it is, it must be important, eh, Toshiro-san?"
"I detest obfuscation." Hitsugaya remarked, then looked to Szayel. "It's time everyone knew the truth about what was happening right in front of us- tell us, Grantz-san."
After a moment, the Espada nodded."While going through the personal administrative logs of the late Captain Kurotsuchi, I uncovered extensive records of research that was not included in any official findings presented to the Central Council." Szayel revealed, totally serious.
Szayel adjusted his glasses before going on. "Recorded within these documents, are the findings of a number of clandestine experiments- done independently, under his authority." The pink-haired Arracar revealed as he went on. "They offer detailed accounts of his personal projects... Including what I can only describe as pre-mortum autopsies, both dissection and vivisection of live-subjects, research into pain resistance, the effects of extended sensory deprivation and exposure to toxic agents, and other similar experiments on what he referred as 'various lesser and/or non-sentient beings'."
"My god, that's..." Sasakibe trailed off, covering his mouth.
"Monstrous?" Szayel offered coolly.
"And you're saying that he carried out these..." Unohana hesitated. "These acts on Hollows that he had secretly captured- within the grounds of Soul Society, no less?" She asked.
"Hollows, Arrancar, Humans, Souls..." Szayel replied. "It seems that Mayuri was eager to gather data on as wide a spectrum of 'specimens' as possible..." He paused. "And, that he wasn't all that particular in the methods in which he would acquire them." The Espada finished, a dark edge in his tone.
"Lieutenant Kurotsuchi," Byakuya began, deathly serious. "Given your nature, you're silence regarding your complicity is understandable." He reasoned. "However, I must now ask you to break your silence and speak truthfully on this matter." The dark-haired Captain finished.
"It's true, all of it." Her tone mechanical and dispassionate. "Because I assisted in these experiments... And, because I was one of the 'lesser and/or non-sentient beings'." Nemu continued, traces of emotion starting to tinge her words. "Before all this happened, I'd grown accustomed to the... abuses inflicted upon me, to being d- dismantled..." She faltered, looking to Szayel- her stormy green eyes meeting his startling yellow ones. "But none of the things he did to me actually hurt me, because I felt nothing, until... when he instructed me to kill Lieutenant Abarai."
Renji felt his chest tighten at the mentioned his brush with death at the hands of the deceased Captain of the Twelfth Division, hit by a sudden stinging sensation as his own memories of that moment came flooding back to him. He felt a knee-jerk compulsion to leave, but he also knew that as an Officers and the second-in-command to respected Captain Kuchiki, more was expected of him- that he couldn't just run away when confronted with unpleasant memories...
"He told me that I was an instrument," Nemu continued. "That I wasn't alive, and that I only thought I was alive because he'd programmed me to..." She paused. "And that I'd never be anything more than an imitation of a living thing... because I didn't have a soul." The purple-haired woman cast her eyes down momentarily, before looking back up. "But I know now that he was wrong... Because I felt it when he hurt me, right here." She gestured to her chest, to her 'heart'.
"But now, it doesn't hurt anymore, because someone helped me." Nemu finished, her soft lips curving into a small smile as she look to Szayel.
"That man, I always knew he was sick, but to imagine that he'd go so far..." Ukitake remarked, wearily rubbing his forehead. "How could we have been so ignorant...? Or, perhaps, we simply just didn't want to see the truth of what was happening." He lamented.
"You know," Urahara began. "It's not really my style to lecture others, and I'm certainly in no position to pass judgment on others... But, maybe I've been out the game for so long that I can see things with a different perspective." He paused, adjusting his hat.
"It's in these difficult time, that people are truly tested, when every one of us realizes just what kind of person they really are." Urahara began. "The time's come for bold actions, the time for Soul Society to make a difference..." He reasoned. "To chose to speak out against the silence, to take actions in the face of crushing apathy, to do what's right..." He reasoned.
The former captain paused. "Because, if not... then we won't have learned a thing."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Hitsugaya was sitting on a deck overlooking the courtyard of the Tenth Division Barracks, when he heard the sound of footfalls on wood. He turned around to see Rangiku, silently watching as the curvy blond woman approached him. "...Captain." She greeted softly, almost uncertainly.
"Lieutenant Matsumoto." He offered her with a nod, watching as she sat down beside him. She was uncharacteristically reserved, nothing like her usual self.
"Captain, I, I've been wanting to thank you..." She began. "For speaking on behalf of Gin, when you didn't have to... It meant a lot to me, and to Kira."
"He was your friend, I know he was important to you." Hitsugaya replied, his gaze once more returning to the courtyard. "And you're my Lieutenant, it was the least I could do."
"Gin... was my best friend, since we were children." She replied. "And even though he's gone, I'm still really happy to know I have someone like you."
The young Captain was about to say something, when Rangiku wordlessly leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, causing him to turn back to her in a flash. "Dammit Matsumoto, I-"
He became silent, watching as her cheeks turned a light rosy hue, similar to how his own features had shifted a darker shade of red. This woman- she could be such a thorn in his side, she was irresponsible and often tried to shirk her duties, she was a notorious tease and a drinker... And yet, here she was, her pretty face flushed pink, her sky-blue eyes averted from his icy blue ones.
He failed to suppress a smirk. Hitsugaya reached over to cup her cheek, tilting her head back up so he could look her in the eyes. "You're such a troublesome woman, you know that?" He remarked with a smile, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. "And yet, in spite of all the hassle that comes with you, I just can't imagine myself with any other person as my Lieutenant but you."
Raniku smiled, her hand coming up to cover his. "Oh Captain." She smiled gorgeously, leaning forward to rest her head against his, the two of them laughing.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
"Byakuya walked the expansive grounds of his family's vast estate. "Tell more, Urahara-san, about this new Division you're proposing." The Captain spoke.
"The dossiers I provided to you and the others go more into the details, but in essence, I propose the creation of a special Division." Urahara began. "This new Division will serve as a public face for Soul Society, while helping to maintain order and stability for the Arrancar in Las Noches." He explained to the Captain of the Sixth. "More than a simple fighting force, it will be a Diplomatic bridgehead- to both prove our good intentions and regulate the development of the Arrancar."
"Elaborate." The elder Kuchiki quietly instructed.
"The Division will be comprised of both Shinigami and Arrancar- an opportunity for the Arrancar to be more than passive observers in their own affairs, and a chance for the Shinigami to better understand the Arrancar they'll soon be dealing with." The former Captain explained as they arrived at the wooden footbridge that crossed over a narrow man-made stream that eventually doubled back unto the Kuchiki estate's prized Koi pond. "The Captain will be chosen from the Arrancar- preferably, one of some rank and experience- someone capable of commanding the respect of the entire Division."
"Indeed," Byakuya remarked, turning to watch the fish moving beneath them, his hands coming to rest on the smooth wooden railing. "Any Arrancar appointed to lead Shinigami troops would need to be of an exceptional pedigree- in strength, temperament, and experience." The elder Kuchiki reasoned in his usual calm and composed voice. "And what of the Lieutenant and the Seated Officers?"
Urahara placed a hand on the railing, following the other man's gaze- to the clear pristine water, gently flowing like liquid glass, and the dark green lily pads with their pink blooms. Koi darted about beneath the surface, each one a unique mixture of colors: including pearlescent white, golden, dark black, bright red and orange. "It would be best to have two Lieutenants: A Shinigami- perhaps Yadomaru-san- as Blue Lieutenant, and an Arrancar as Red Lieutenant."
Urahara exhaled. "We can't stop the Hollows from existing, it's just not possible... But this Division could serve as a way of preventing the newly-formed Arrancar that emerge from those Hollows from becoming Hostile towards us." He elaborated as he straightened up.
"A bold plan." Byakuya offered, matching his posture. "At present, it will take at least a year for us sufficiently restore Soul Society." He replied, turning to him. "Grantz-san has proven to be an asset in getting the communication network and power grid back on line. The presence of the other Espada has allowed us to focus manpower and resources that would have gone to internal defense, to instead be used towards getting Soul Society up and running." The dark-haired Captain explained.
"I may be able to help with the logistics of the Division," Urahara offered. "Given time, I could have a list of suitable Candidates for the Officer Posts and unseated members."
Byakuya nodded. "That, at least, would a preferable start."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Szayel and Nemu were sitting on tall chairs in one of the labs of the Twelfth. He finished the wine from the glass in his hand, the other curled around the woman's waist. Nemu, a glass of her own in hand, was quick to refill his- tilting the green bottle and wine neatly falling into the rounded vessel.
"What a perfect assistant you are, my dear Nemu." He commented, bringing the lip of the glass to his mouth to sip the wine- smiling at the bittersweet taste.
Nemu blushed prettily, basking in his praise. "Thank you, Szayel-sama." She replied in a silky, relaxed voice as she brought her own glass up to drink from it.
They both looked up, when the door opened to the otherwise empty lap they were using to celebrate his appointment opened. The Octavio Espada (and soon-to-be Captain of the Twelfth) and his Lieutenant watched as Ulquiorra entered, closing the door behind him.
The pink-haired Arrancar noted that Cuatro Espada was dressed in his Las Noches uniform, restored to it's former pristine condition (likely by Orihime). He sported his usual mask of indifference and his hands were characteristically tucked in the pockets of his hakama.
"Schiffer?" Szayel began in a casual tone. "I would have thought you'd have returned to the living realm with Inoue-san by now." He remarked with a smirk, setting his wine glass down and running his gloved hands down his white coat to smooth it as he sat up from the swiveling chairs he'd been occupying with Nemu in the one beside him.
"I told her to return ahead of me." Ulquiorra began. "My Gigai isn't ready yet, and I deemed it better for her that I not remain for too long, lest my reiatsu draw unwanted attention."
"In that case, Ulquiorra, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?" Szayel asked, his face a mask of professionalism, as he stepped forward to greet Ulquiorra amidst the rows of counters- all covered with various scientific equipment. "Is this a social visit, or some other matter?"
The Cuatro Espada regarded him for a moment. "I must admit, you've done quite well for yourself in the short time you've been here." Ulquiorra replied coolly. "And you certainly haven't wasted any time in endearing yourself to the Shinigami- in more ways than one." The slightest hint of smirk on his lips as he spoke the last part, a hint of innuendo creeping into his.
The Eighth grinned at the comment. "Nemu, my dear, would you excuse us for moment?" Szayel asked her in a soft tone, taking her hand in his and kissing it. "I get the feeling Schiffer-san has something he would like to discuss with me in private." He reasoned with a smile.
"Of course, Szayel-sama." She replied softly. "I'll be waiting in my Office, you can contact me when you've finished talking with Schiffer-san." Nemu added, giving him a small smile, before turning to leave the room- giving Ulquiorra a polite nod on the way out.
Now alone, Szayel picked up the bottle of wine and refilled his glass. "As to your remark, I am still a scientist after all, and who am I to deny them the benefit of my services?" He replied coolly, pausing to take a sip of the dark red liquid. "And given the present circumstances, these Shinigami will have much need of my skills in the coming days." He added, shifting his hand in a subtle circular motion- causing a slow eddy to occur in the glass as the wine rotated lazily.
"As to the other matter," Szayel continued coolly. "In spite of my outward manner, and the slanderous rumors no doubt spread by our late comrades," he brought the glass up his lips- pausing briefly to savor the bittersweet scent- before taking another drink. "I assure you that my tastes in... companionship are rooted firmly in the fairer sex." He took another drink. "That, at least, is a matter in which you and I are of the same mind- given how diligently you tend to the needs of your buxom companion."
Ulquiorra allowed himself a small smirk, watching as the other Espada took another drink from his glass of wine. "Oh, how careless of me... Would care for a glass?" Szayel asked him as he downed the remnants from the cup, then flashed him a smile.
The Cuatro shook his head, watching as the other Espada stepped between two metal and glass posts that resembled large Vandergraff Generators- resting a hand against each of them as he assumed a "T" posture with his outstretched arms. "You always were too clever by far... Though, I suppose that's why you managed to stay alive while so many others are dead."
This observation prompted the Arrancar's smile to widen. "Still, in spite of our evolution, I suppose we still remain creatures of instinct to some degree..." Ulquiorra mused. "For all the trappings of civility and rationality we now possess, it would seem that the simple desire to win a worthwhile mate and mother for our offspring remains strong in us?"
Szayel leaned forward, the fluorescent lights casting eery shadows on his features and illuminating the narrow lenses of his glasses in the darkness on his face as he smiled deviously. "Oh yes!" The Arrancar answered languidly, bracing himself between the pillars. "The thrill remains, but now we have minds capable of fully appreciating the value of the pursuit!" He exclaimed emphatically, madness filtering into his words as he slinked forward. "And so, the fruits of our labors are all the sweeter!"
The Eighth's reiatsu flared slightly as he spoke the last part, and Ulquiorra felt his own blood start to quicken in response to the familiar lustful edge present the Arrancar's reiatsu. It stoked the embers of a kindred desire deep within him. It fed the fires of a primal thrill that made his Hollow blood hot and his breaths deepen. The first time he'd experienced this new sensation when he'd stabbed Ichigo through the heart- before the woman, for all to see! And now again(!), as he envisioned the moment when he would claim Orihime for himself- and only himself!
He would have no need of 'masks' then, he would discard them and allow himself to experience the elation that would come when he unleashed his desires upon the woman- the thought her, legs wrapped tightly around him, as he thrust into her, as his mate, and the intoxicating sound of her songbird voice as she cried out his name in ecstasy as she climaxed!
"I can feel it, Ulquiorra, the desire!" Szayel exclaimed. "You've sensed a worthy mate in her, and now you want to make her yours!" He went on. "But not just that, there's more to it, isn't there?!"
Ulquiorra's eyes went wide. "Yes!" He exclaimed, then turned away- his green eyes unfocused as his slender fingers traced invisible patterns on a nearby counter. "I will make her my mate, I will provide for all her needs and protect her and our young!" His voice was hushed and his tone urgent, the words coming rapidly, his usual control now forgotten as madness gripped him.
"And when I am done, everyone will know that it was I who won her- just as it was I who freed her of the chains binding her heart that pathetic half-Shinigami!" He declared, suddenly turning back to face the other Arrancar. "Because I alone am worthy of her!"
The Octavio grinned wildly at this. "You're holding back, Ulquiorra, as an Arrancar, you know that such a female is deserving of tribute, what would you do for her?"
Ulquiorra's lips curved into a full smile. "I... would kill Kurosaki!" He answered, his words laced with a dangerous edge. "I would see him die before these eyes, and he would know- beyond question- that it was I who killed him, because I was superior!" He declared, his chest rising- the air becoming heady as he felt the surge of pride that only a Hollow could understand. The thrill was mirrored in the Cheshire Cat smile of the bespectacled Arrancar...
And yet, just as fast as it had started, the high quickly came to an end as the two Espada finally reigned in their emotions. "But then, she's human, she wouldn't appreciate the gesture- killing him would only serve to upset her. Better to spare her feelings at the expense of my pride." Ulquiorra remarked, his tone utterly calm, almost thoughtful as he spoke.
Szayel nodded sympathetically. "Well, as much as I've enjoyed this little detour of ours, a chance to throw off the shackles and indulge in our primal intentions," he remarked calmly as he ran a gloved hand through his pink locks. "I rather doubt that was your reasoning for coming."
Ulquiorra nodded. "Indeed," he replied evenly. "When you were talking about the destruction of the Ouken, I could tell you holding something back." He began. "Now, this means that you're either hiding some bit of information for leverage later on... Or, you've reached a conclusion so staggering that not even you can fully comprehend the implications of it." He reasoned. "So then, which is it?"
Szayel smiled darkly, his hands sliding into the pockets of his coat. "Actually," he began in a hushed, conspiratorial voice. "it's a bit of both..."
(- End of Chapter VI -)
Final Word Count: 5,830!
That last scene ended up veering into the realm of the Grand Guignol! If you want some background music to go with it, then watch the Harkonnen "plan" scene from the 1984 Dune movie. The music that plays when the Barron activates his anti-gravity device was in my head, from the moment Szayel says "Oh, yes!", until he and Ulquiorra calm down. It wasn't planned, I just wondered how the Arrancar would act when the others weren't around, and it wrote itself.
The idea was that they all retain this primal side to them to some degree, but it only comes out when they're indulging in their instinctive desires. Being with Orihime has awoken dangerous and possessive desires in Ulquiorra, and he likes the feeling! Now, he'd kill Ichigo because he wanted to, and to prove he's the strongest and most suitable mate for Orihime. The reason why Szayel keeps prompting him is because he's sympathetic to the desire- because he's clearly not grooming Nemu to simply be just another assistant, but to be his equal (his ideal mate).
-Bojack727