SEPTEMBER 25 – LATE AFTERNOON
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After taking a short rest in her room, Ulquiorra showed up in her room, surprising her. Apparently, Aizen wanted to meet with her again today. Why? He said he would leave her to rest and talk with her tomorrow. Come on! She didn't want to talk with him now! Could she not wallow in her pitiful situation alone for a few hours?! It's almost as if he wasn't even letting her breathe!
But still, she ended up following Ulquiorra.
Because she couldn't disobey.
Even with a Zanpakuto at her hip, she couldn't disobey.
This time, there were no Arrancar girls standing by the doors. After knocking and getting permission to enter, Ulquiorra simply opened the door and left after being dismissed, leaving her alone with Aizen. Still in her spot, she merely watched him approach her with calm strides.
"I'm sorry for the abrupt change of plans. I changed my mind." Aizen stated simply before placing a hand on her shoulder. Her eyes darted to the side to stare at it, as if awaiting any type of power to burst out of it and tear off her shoulder. Her imagination was running wild with confusion.
Katsuko felt him urge her to turn around to walk out the doors. What the heck? Where were they going?
"Come. I want you to walk with me." Aizen said, his hand still on her shoulder. The girl quietly obeyed the man and turned slowly before falling into step with him. It seemed like he was slowing his pace on purpose to let her walk by his side. His hand still remained on her shoulder as they walked through the corridor in silence. She was wondering why he wasn't removing it… Was he keeping her close to avoid letting her escape? Was he somehow doing something without her knowing? What was happening right now?
All this confusion in her mind kept her mouth shut.
Until she realized what was missing from her earlier interaction with Aizen.
Her lips parted when she fixed the floor with slightly widened eyes that were shadowed by her hair.
Something was missing when they spoke.
Something was missing when he took her hand.
The only thing evident in her was confusion.
Katsuko's swallowed.
This man, who was capable of anything, the leader of the Arrancars who nearly killed them twice, the one who possessed so much power… She did not fear this man.
… She never feared Aizen.
Even when Rukia and the others came to the World of the Living and told her about Aizen's army, even after Inoue told her about his ambition... she could never once feel any type of fear inside of her that was connected to that man. She couldn't feel anything towards that man. But now, when she was in his presence… she could only feel confusion. Why? She knew herself. If she was in this situation, then she would have been immensely scared of everything, including him.
So… why?
Is it a good thing I'm not scared of him…?
Or is it bad?
As Aizen and Katsuko passed by an intersection of corridors, they passed by several rankless Arrancars. Some of them bowed in respect for him while others simply stayed quiet and still to let him proceed through without anyone obscuring his path. None of them raised a brow at the girl. No one except for one Arrancar: Loly Aivrrine. She was glaring at Katsuko. The proximity between them made her feel incredibly jealous, which did not go unnoticed by her ally, Menoly, who also felt somewhat the same but in a discreet manner.
Who the hell was this girl for Aizen to just focus on her? She was just some Substitute Soul Reaper, a fake.
There was nothing special about her!
She may have a pretty face but her body was nothing to look at. Fucking boring.
And she still carried a Zanpakuto! That wasn't safe! Why didn't Aizen simply cut her down for that?
This sudden special treatment confused her so much that it had her gritting her teeth and clenching her fists tightly. Aizen was basically putting his arm around her shoulders to place his hand on the farthest one. She burning with hate and jealousy.
Like hell she was going to endure watching this shit.
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Aizen finally let go of her shoulder when they arrived at their destination. It was a giant balcony with a protective rail at the end. From this height, one could clearly see the never-ending sands of Hueco Mundo, as well as the moon in the black sky. The sheer openness of the view made Katsuko only crave freedom more, freedom beyond those sands. Was there anything out there that could give her solace in this place? Anything?
Aizen walked ahead of her to approach the rail, his long white coat fluttering a bit behind him. But Katsuko remained rooted in the spot he left her in. In Las Noches, there wasn't much she could do to disobey unless she wanted a death wish. She didn't want to envision a punishment ready for her if she did. She would obey and protect herself until she somehow found light out of this dark ass tunnel. But maybe standing in place like this when he obviously wanted her to follow was her own little way to rebel against him. Her feet only continued to move when he looked over his shoulder and stared at her, silently telling her to follow him. When he turned back around, her face twisted in ugly anger that she shot at his back.
Fuck all of this and everything it stands for.
Aizen and Katsuko stood next to each other in front of the rail and stared at the sands. The girl made sure to hold onto the rail with both hands. If by chance Aizen decided to pick her up and throw her over the rail, well, she was ready for it. If that failed, she'd just use her Zanpakuto and use it to land somewhat safely.
"This is the first time we are properly talking." Aizen began with a comment, bringing Katsuko's attention back to him. Yeah. She never spoke to him until now. Her eyes only saw him and her ears heard him speak the day he defected from the Soul Society. But she didn't say anything in response to the obvious. "But I already know a lot about you."
Katsuko refrained from deadpanning at the sands. Really? I'm suuure, you do. You indirectly put a Hollow inside me so I'm sure you know a lot about your experiments. I bet that's all I am to you. I'm just the successor of Chisaki for your experiment.
Aizen looked down at Katsuko, who still refused to look at him. "With every encounter with an Arrancar, you've grown stronger. You've improved your skills and controlled your Hollow. I can only wonder how you've done so in such a short amount of time." Katsuko refused to show a reaction. Did he know about Shinji and the others being alive? They were his experiments as well… She didn't know if Aizen would make the effort to put them down if she gave away the slightest reaction. There was no way to not notice the way Aizen was just watching her for any sign. "And you are an extraordinary soul. You have talents that the Soul Society would never appreciate."
… Talents? As in?
… What, my affinity for Kido?
Katsuko blinked.
"If deemed dangerous," Aizen leaned down to lean closer to her ear. "You could be dealt with just like my Captain Hirako."
She wanted to frown.
Shinji…
But instead, Katsuko's eyes flickered a little.
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Annoyed, Shinji sighed and narrowed his eyes at her. "You sure do like to ask questions." He turned to rest his arms on the rail and looked ahead. Katsuko silently watched him, staring at the scowl on his face that appeared. For some reason, it seemed like he was staring at something distant. "The Soul Society doesn't care if you were a saint or a great hero. If you become somethin' they don't like or did somethin' that wasn't of your own volition, they'll make you an outcast criminal without a second thought. There is no say in the matter. You don't even get the chance to clear your name. Everyone turns their back on you. Your home, friends, and everythin' is just taken away from you. That's reality." Shinji smirked and glanced at her. "Pretty messed up, am I right?"
Katsuko silently stared back at him.
His tone sounded so impersonal as he spoke that she couldn't help but feel bothered by it.
If obtaining Hollow powers was illegal and forced upon them. Then why treat them like an enemy? That's just not fair. Damn. She was getting upset now. What the hell, she wasn't the one who got treated like disposable trash by the Soul Society but she felt quite pissed!
"But even after all of that, coming out as a survivor is better than whatever sentence they choose."
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Aizen's words carried some weight.
Because Shinji and the Vizards were proof of the Soul Society's ruthless decisions.
If her Hollow was the reason Aizen sought her out, then there was no way the Soul Society would come and save her. Not even if Hell froze. She was truly on her own. That fact alone had her clenching her fists on the rail. Because of this fact, she relaxed from her tense disposition and bowed her head to sigh with her eyes closed. Talking about Shinji just made her want to get her head smacked by him forever. It was better than staying in what looked like a damn wasteland.
Alright, fine.
Get to the fucking point now.
"What are you trying to say?"
Aizen was pleased with her response. He had to get it through her head that the Soul Society wasn't going to come for her if he needed her. Aizen gathered power to fight against the Soul Society. By adding Katsuko into the mix, it was safe to assume he was hiding something from them, something about Katsuko that could aid him in his war.
They couldn't be more correct.
"I would like to be friends, Katsuko."
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What.
In response to his request, finally Katsuko turned her head to look at the traitor. Her eyebrows pinched in pure confusion, her eyes squinted, while her hands laxed on the rail. He had a small smile on his face as he gazed at her calmly. The hell just came out of this man's mouth? Aizen wanted to be friends? Okay. She was going to need some more details because this was freaking weird. She was expecting him to say something along the lines of 'I want you to succumb to your Hollow and become one of my Arrancars!'
"I would protect my friends from the Soul Society."
Could he get to the point?
"You want to use me for something." Katsuko revealed, frowning. Why beat around the bush? Just say it. "What for?" The way she said it almost sounded likes he would consider it.
"As I've said, you have talents that the Soul Society would feel uncomfortable about in letting you roam free." He reminded her as he put a hand in his pocket. "Thus, I would like your help when the time comes, Katsuko. That's why, I want us to be friends."
He wasn't going to tell her what he needed her for until she agreed to be his friend.
And frankly, she didn't want to be his damn friend!
"I like to believe that I would treat my friends equally."
Katsuko averted her eyes away from Aizen, no longer able to look him in the eye.
"I hope we become very good ones."
If it means using the strength I gained and pointing my blade at my friends…
Hell no.
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After talking with Aizen and listening to his ridiculous request, Katsuko was escorted back to her room by Ulquiorra. Once again, she left the lights off and remained in the dark, choosing to sit in it as she tried to think.
Aizen had spoken of a power that the Soul Society would disapprove of, which had to be the Hollow's power. There was something about this one Hollow inside of her that he deemed useful to his cause. This was all thanks to Chisaki infecting her soul with Aizen's experiment. Normally, she would never bitterly blame Chisaki after all that had been through. But this time, she did. She nearly cursed her for what was happening to her. Just what kind of Hollow was inside of her? How much progress had Aizen made after experimenting on Shinji and the others?
The concerning thoughts and important questions she asked herself were warping into a mess in her mind.
The room was blanketed in a suffocating silence. It only made her thoughts louder. And the weight of it in addition to the anxiety she felt served only to trouble her mind even further.
"Fuck this."
Katsuko couldn't stay here.
Aizen had plans for her, that much was obvious.
And she didn't want to become part of his schemes.
If it meant hurting others, then she would do everything to protect them from herself.
Especially when the memory of Shinji and the others going through Hollowfication pressed her mind.
If no one was going to come for her, then she needed to rely only on herself this time.
This prison shouldn't keep her from fighting back when she still could.
"They didn't take my Zanpakuto, so that was their mistake."
When her hand unconsciously touched her sword, her weapon to protect herself, and she quickly looked down at the sheathed blade. Arashihoro. Her Zanpakuto. The one that always fought by her side as a Soul Reaper. Her fingers properly wrapped around the hilt, and she closed her eyes as she continued to sit against the couch.
Arashihoro… we should escape, shouldn't we? I just don't have it in me to stay put in this place. I can't stay here. I shouldn't stay here.
Her head bowed down as her grip on the tilt tightened.
If I stay here… I feel like I'm going to lose something. It might be my sanity… or even just my life… And I don't want to lose anything. I just want to go home, see my friends, see my family, sit down and play a video game, continue writing my little stories…
I still haven't apologized to Jun and Haru…! I have to get out of here!
Her teeth gritted.
That's why I want to know… are you willing to fight with me to help me get back home? Is that something you think is worth fighting for?
Tell me what you think… let me hear you say something…
I just need you to tell me you're here for me… that you'll fight with me… because I feel completely alone right now.
Hey… Arashihoro.
Her sword carried a soul of its own, a distinctive soul.
Another soul was always present with her.
But the fact that she couldn't always hear her sword's voice made her feel a bit lonely right now. She wanted to know that Arashihoro was still there, a reassurance that she wasn't alone.
I'm here.
Katsuko's eyes shot open.
I will fight by your side even against the toughest opponents that try to stand in our way. I will blow them away. So, if you really want to fight back, I will be with you.
If anyone stands in my way to escape…
Let them find out what happens when you get too close to a storm.
Let's go, Katsuko.
As if picturing Arashihoro standing behind her, it fueled her with so much will and determination. The distance between her and the door was covered instantly as she ran with large strides, and her right hand was open as she charged a familiar sensation into it. As soon as her hand made contact with the door, it exploded from the force coming from her hand, splinters flying and covering the pristine floor in front of her, and illuminating the dark room she was trapped in.
Quickly, her mind began conjuring up the memory of all the footsteps she made so far, creating a trail of a more or less correct path out of the fortress.
Katsuko flash stepped away.
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Aizen was aware of Katsuko's attempt to escape. He was keeping track of her spiritual pressure, waiting for the moment she would act. And finally, she did.
And as he predicted, she did not use her Zanpakuto.
She chose the path that Ulquiorra took her on the first time she arrived in Las Noches. At least that way, she knew that the end of the path led outside. If she could make it out, then she would run and never stop until she felt safe. And she would keep praying that a ray of light would help her find her way home.
Katsuko ran as fast as she could.
She couldn't trust the Soul Society now.
She couldn't believe in anyone coming to save her.
And despite it all, she wanted to survive it all.
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Yeah… It wasn't going to be a walk in the park.
Her blade unsheathed as she held it out in front of her. Her eyes were narrowed sharply at the man who stood in her way.
"You think you can escape from Las Noches?"
It was Cloverras Vall Lulloc. By coincidence, she ran into him just as he stepped into the corridor. From what she could remember, she reached the halfway point of the path. And he was blocking her way to the rest. Immediately upon seeing his face, she took out her sword, ready to force her way through.
There were several Arrancars stationed in several areas on her way out who recognize her and tried to stop her. But they couldn't stop her now. And he wasn't going to be the one to stop her either. No way!
"Ready, Arashihoro?"
As for Cloverras, he saw this as an opportunity to get back in Aizen's good graces after his last fuck up. After getting his eye ripped out, Aizen was able to see what he had seen and experienced in his fight against Katsuko. In the beginning, the girl had a small chance of winning, and that chance turned very little when Cloverras released his Zanpakuto. The fight was quickly turning into a one-sided one. The only thing that assured her victory was the use of that Hollow mask. That was Ulquiorra's fault. If he had been more thorough with getting information from the enemy, he wouldn't have lost!
Katsuko didn't even let him get ready and take out his sword. With a cry, she lifted her sword as she sped towards him and slammed down her blade on his that he took out hastily. The urgency in her movements was so evident. If he chose to stay in her way, then she would force him out of her way without holding anything back.
His eyes widened when she blocked her sword. What was with this strength? He pushed her back with a harsh stroke. Sliding to a stop, Katsuko set her arms in position for her Shikai release. "Rend, Arashihoro!" Once the second sword appeared in her hand, she swung it down and readied herself before darting back towards him.
Their blades clashed a few times. But each of her strokes brought even more confusion to him. What was happening?! It wasn't a fluke?! Cloverras struggled to keep up with her harsh strikes. Her wind blade made the impacts harsher and harder for him to defend himself.
Her windless blade slashed his side.
The wind cut him deeply in the thigh.
The splashes of blood decorated the pristine floor.
Damn it!
"Crawl!" He shoved his sword into the floor. "La—!"
Katsuko flash stepped behind him with charged wind.
"Gengetsu… Reppuu."
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Katsuko panted, eyes wide almost crazily as she stared at the fallen body in front of her. On the floor was Cloverras Vall Lulloc bleeding, and severely weakened. Her attack landed the decisively blow, and he couldn't defend himself against it.
She did it.
Katsuko didn't even have to use her Hollow Mask to defeat him this time. Shikai at the last moment was sufficient.
"How could you have gotten this strong in less than three weeks…?!"
Katsuko stepped over his body without looking back. Unlike when she fought Hisagi, she wouldn't look at her opponent this time. She would keep pressing onward without wasting another second. "By fighting with my life on the line every day."
Her footsteps echoed as she ran down the hallway. If she could she would use the wind and lightning to burst through every damn wall to make it outside. But that would only make it easier for the Arrancars to find her. Shikai was the safest bet for now.
"That's far enough."
Katsuko lurched forward a bit when her feet were automatically glued to the floor. Her eyes glared at the figure that appeared in the narrow hallway.
It was Ulquiorra.
Great. Just what she needed.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Are you a fucking idiot?
She didn't have enough patience to answer his question with the most obvious answer. Clearly, she was going to the bathroom!
Her state was something in between frenzy and calm. She wouldn't stop fighting her way out. Even this damn Espada, who was stronger, couldn't make her back down now that she made it this far. Instead of fighting him, she chose to flash stepped past him, running further away while she still could. Ulquiorra apathetically watched her go before deciding to follow after her. From her peripheral vision, she could see his white hand coming to grab her by the throat again.
I don't think so!
Katsuko swivelled around to dodge the hand, putting herself dangerously close to the wall for a collision. Her dark brown eyes met his dark green ones for a second.
Get further away from him! It's too cramped in here!
I know!
She used the wind of her Zanpakuto to propel her all the way to the end of the corridor. Her body was flung in the air when she made it out with a burst of wind.
Ulquiorra appeared below her, right where she would land.
She glared at him darkly.
Her hands slammed the end of the hilts of her swords together.
"Bankai!"
Her spiritual pressure rose high when she released her second release. Her swords emitted wind as they turned into her scythe. Ulquiorra could feel the new strength she possessed. When she emerged out of the smoke, his eyes widened by a fraction when he saw the Hollow mask on her face. So, this is the mask that Cloverras spoke of. He was correct in his report of her strength. He could feel the power behind it.
"Raah!" Katsuko swung down her scythe. Ulquiorra lifted his arm to block the blade with his Hierro instead of his sword. Was it even worth taking out his sword?
Sparks of light began dancing around her blade. He could see them growing in numbers as he felt the power surge of another attack. Her Hollow-like eyes narrowed dangerously as she continued to force the power out. Push out the lightning and strike him hard. No… use them both. Use them both to fight! Use Arashihoro and the Hollow!
Her hands pushed down harder as she growled, and the wind started emitting from her blade.
Ulquiorra's eyes flickered to his skin. The blade was beginning to cut through? The wind started growing stronger with the lightning, making both their hair sway as it began to pick up dangerously. The wind was starting to shred his sleeve now. Seeing the power growing, Ulquiorra pushed her away by shoving his arm, sending her flying towards the wall. The way he flung her just now would break the wall behind her.
Katsuko repositioned her scythe and created a wind that stopped her momentum enough for her to just plant her feet against the wall to stop, and kick back against it to launch herself down. The reach of her swings grew now that the wind and lightning surrounded her blade. Katsuko could see him dodging the attacks, stepping further away from the range he was still trying to figure out.
Where did this Hollow mask come from? It was almost like she was one of them.
And was that lightning coming from her mask?
No.
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From afar, Ulquiorra kept watching the fight between Yammy and Katsuko. She was taunting him and creating openings to attack, a smart move against his hot-headed ally.
Cursing, Yammy staggered down to his knees. A piece of his mask, a tooth, fell with the blood that dripped down from his face. Her eyes narrowed when he didn't move. Ulquiorra could see the suspicion on her face. Katsuko reeled back her scythe from afar. She was charging up an attack for Yammy again. A final strike to keep him down on his knees.
Ulquiorra's eyes flickered to the blade of her scythe. There were flickers of lightning appearing on her blade. Aside from the wind, there was also lightning in her arsenal? The appearance of the lightning, the face of someone looking down their opponent, she sudden spike in spiritual pressure coming from her… if she landed that blow with that next attack, there could be a possibility that Yammy might just die from it.
Ulquiorra used Sonido to appear in front of her before she could attack him again. Their eyes met for a second just as he thrusted his fist into her gut. Her gaze was pulled away when she doubled over in pain, gasping.
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That time, she was going to use lightning against him.
But she didn't have a Hollow mask…?
Why was that?
There was something she was hiding.
Katsuko and Ulquiorra slid away from each other after he pushed away her attack with two hands. As she straightened up, her arm swung down the scythe diagonally to her side. Much like when she first used her lightning, Her hair flew around and her Shihakusho flapped endlessly as the wind kept swirling around her blade and the lightning whipped around dangerously, as if the two elements were very eager to strike.
She spun around and grabbed the scythe with both hands before lowering her body and swinging at the floor when she made a perfect spin. First, there was a pause. Then, the floor blew up as the storm rapidly flew in his direction. A ray of light and a gust of wind mercilessly destroyed everything in its path to Ulquiorra who held two hands up to block the attack.
It was stronger than he expected.
I won't give up!
I won't bend to him!
Katsuko's eyes seemed to glow as her gaze sharpened. She reeled back her weapon and threw a powerful Gengetsu Reppuu in his direction, adding to the destructive power of her first attack. And not a second later, Ulquiorra could not be seen as the walls behind him were destroyed when he could not block the attack, creating a giant cloud of smoke.
Not yet!
Katsuko ran over to him with a growl, she carried her scythe with one hand. And the elements around her blade seemed to move around violently, growing stronger with each second she focused on her survival. The wind on her weapon blew away all the smoke to reveal the pathway that continued her path. But Ulquiorra was nowhere to be seen. Warily, she looked around to try and find him, but by the time she found him, she found a pale finger pointed right in between her eyes.
"Cero."
Fuck! Move!
With barely any time to move, Katsuko was only able to narrowly dodge the blast by flash stepping away with a graze on her arm. In midair, she watched the green beam destroy anything in its path.
A hand clasped her shoulder from behind.
…!
Katsuko whipped her head back and met Ulquiorra's dark green eyes.
And then, it went black.
"Katsuko...!"
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Katsuko's eyes shot open.
Her body sat up quickly and she whipped around to try and figure out what was happening. Her heart was rapidly beating in her chest and it swayed her body.
She was in the dark.
The darkness of her room in Las Noches.
She was back in her room?
No.
NO!
Katsuko jumped off the couch and ran to the door. However, she immediately stopped when she felt something missing. Her hands flew to her hip. There was no Zanpakuto. It was gone!
No…!
Arashihoro!
They took her sword this time!
Katsuko sank to her knees when she let the reality sink in. The absence of her sword weighed heavy on her shoulders as if reminding her of just what kind of hell situation she was put into. The Soul Society would not come for her. She was stuck in Las Noches… and Aizen wanted to use her powers for his cause.
Her hands flew up to her face as the feelings she desperately tried to repress began to surface for the first time. Fear, stress, panic, anxiety… It made her nails dig into her skin as she gritted her teeth in frustration. How could she get out of this situation on her own? How…? HOW?!
"Mom…" Katsuko managed to choke out, dragging her nails down to control her feelings. This was no time to feel so human. She needed to harden herself to survive.
Don't panic. Try to relax…
"Come on…" Katsuko slapped her cheeks harshly. The pain was helping her suppress the feelings she believed were unnecessary. She needed to be strong, even colder than how she was used to being. She needed to remain calm and avoid making the enemy believe she was in distress.
She needed to wear an armour of lies to survive.
I lost my Zanpakuto… but what could I do now? What other option did I have to keep myself safe?
Katsuko put down her hands and planted them flat on the ground, her body on all fours as she stared at the floor hard.
She had a Hollow mask.
And she had Kido.
Right. Kido wasn't a bad weapon. However, it was bad if she couldn't use it properly. So far, the only individual she knew that was capable of amazing Kido… was Hacchi. He was a master at the art. Realizing this, she wished that she could have at least asked for some Kido tips. Right now, the only thing she felt she was capable of was that attack that pushed Hollow Ichigo away. It was a defensive technique.
If she could somehow utilize Kido to help herself… then maybe she could use her Hollow mask and—
Katsuko stiffened when she heard footsteps approaching her door. There were two coming to her door. Why two? Wasn't it usually Ulquiorra who came with only himself? The sound had Katsuko getting up from her position and stepping further back inside the room. There was a moment of silence as she silently stared at the door. It made her grimace. She could feel the presence of those two female Arrancars she met today. What did they want with her?
Soon, the door opened, shining some light in the dark room.
Loly peeked inside and found Katsuko standing by the couch, staring right back at her in a manner similar to a deer in headlights.
"Oh, would you look at that, she's finally awake." Loly cackled before throwing her side of the door open. With a flick of her hand on the wall, the lights flashed and made Katsuko squint since her eyes were adjusted to the dark. Loly wasn't wasting any time now that she found an opportunity to see Aizen's little guest. Menoly closed the doors behind them and placed herself near the wall next to the doors, allowing her friend to do as pleased.
Loly stopped in front of her and crossed her arms with a smirk. "Ulquiorra knocked you out and threw you back in here after your pathetic attempt to escape." She looked down at her sword-less hip. Katsuko observed her quietly like an owl, silent and still. She wanted to know why this Arrancar suddenly had business with her. And she had a good idea when Loly suddenly tried to grab her by the front of her Shihakusho, causing Katsuko to step back away from her. This made Loly glare sharply at her.
"Get over here, you fake!" Loly made another attempt to get a hold of her which only end up with Katsuko stepping further away from her. When she made a more violent attempt to get to her, Katsuko jumped away from her and narrowed her eyes. Those eyes of hers that seem to mock her only infuriated her even more. "Who do you think you are, human?!" Loly screamed at her before launching a Bala at her.
Katsuko hastily moved away from the attack and watched it create a dent into the wall next to her. Loly was already running towards her with a hand reaching for her hair. From what she was observing, she could detect hate in her eyes.
A typical move for a typical mean girl.
Katsuko side stepped away from her.
But her hair was long.
Loly was still able to grab a handful of it.
"I got you, you bitch!"
Seeing the potential danger she was in, Katsuko focused energy into her palm as Loly yanked her closer to her with a sadistic grin. "Without your sword, you're not even worth it! You're nothing! And when I'm done with you, you won't—" Loly was so busy running her mouth that she didn't have time to react to Katsuko's move. The Substitute Soul Reaper didn't even hesitate to slam her open palm into Loly's face as if she palmed a volleyball. She recalled that feeling she had when she threw Hollow Ichigo back a few feet, and she forced it into reality right at this moment.
"Gah!" Loly's head all but get repulsed away by a strong force, weakening her grip, and forcing her back so fast that her body fell back. She was falling to the floor near the couch. That extreme force that pushed her back made her head collide into the couch's armrest and bounce off it harshly, causing her to fall against the floor almost pathetically and comically. Any harder would have made her head collide even harder.
"Loly!" Menoly shouted, hurrying over to them when she saw her friend fall so hard. She checked her face and was relieved to see no injury to it. She and Loly looked up at Katsuko who kept staring at them apathetically, almost daring them to try touching her again one more time. The next time they touched her without permission, that blow was going to be aimed for that solar plexus with a Hollow mask on. She could be apathetic, yes, but there was a certain amount of patience she had after crossing the line.
But, this was it.
Kido was her way to protect herself.
This amateur spell would do the trick for now.
"You little…" Loly snarled, pushing herself up. What angered her so much was the apathetic disposition that Katsuko carried, it made her feel like she didn't care one bit for her nor was she bothered by her attempts to terrorize her. She wanted to ruin this girl that Aizen took a liking to. She wanted to remove any worth that Aizen saw in her. And now, she wanted nothing more but to show this girl her place. "You—!"
The doors opened.
"What's this?"
Loly and Menoly froze when they heard that cold voice speak from the entrance of the room. It was Ulquiorra. For some reason, she could feel nothing but relief in his presence. That man was not a source of relief, yet she felt better knowing that his presence would somehow stop them from acting like this. Because she noticed that they stiffened in his presence when she first when to see Aizen earlier today. Her observation skills were very quick to note that.
"U…Ulquiorra." Menoly spoke, her throat suddenly dry. Ulquiorra was one of Aizen's loyal subordinates. Defying him was basically to defy Aizen's orders, something did never wished to do. No one in their right mind in Las Noches would get in his way. He was the Fourth Espada, after all.
"Hiragi Katsuko is Aizen-sama's guest." Ulquiorra reminded them. "You would be well to remember that." He said simply. That reminder alone was enough to tell them not to overstep. There was a reason Aizen brought her to be recruited, and as such, it was important to have her in peak condition in case a time came for him to use her.
But that reminded only made Loly feel even more bitter about everything.
A part of Katsuko enjoyed just how quiet those two Arrancars became quiet in his presence. It made them look like a pair of fools for getting caught with their pants down. If there's one thing she detested, it was bullies trying to get a rise out of her for their personal reason when she was just minding her own damn business. They would try to get a reaction out of her but instead got apathy, a complete disinterest in their bullcrap. But this time, she had a feeling that this just made her angrier. But she didn't care for some chick who wanted her attention in a specific manner.
When she felt Ulquiorra's gaze on her, she looked at him in response. He informed her that Aizen was calling her, again, for the third time this day. Hearing this, Loly clenched her fist tightly. Her single visible eye burned into Katsuko's form as she casually walked her by, ignoring her complete existence as if she wasn't worth her time.
Inwardly, Katsuko sneered at her.
This damn human…!
I'll make you regret putting your hands on me!
…
…
…
The familiar scene of walking behind Ulquiorra only served to make her anxious about what Aizen wanted with her this time. He obviously found out she tried to escape, so what kind of punishment awaited her? Her hands hid inside the opposite sleeve as she held up her arms to hold her inner elbows. One of her eyes was shadowed by her bangs as she stared at the doors in the distance that led to an unfamiliar room. This was not the same path they took to see Aizen the first time.
Where are we going?
Katsuko's fingers pressed into her skin as she grew anxious.
She had just experienced potential danger with that one girl and relaxed herself because she knew she felt a little shaken up by the sudden aggression. And now, she was getting on edge from anticipating what Aizen had to say to her. She couldn't get a break. Seriously, whenever this was over, her lifespan was going to get shortened by several years.
The first thing she realized when stepping into the new room was the large space.
It was easy to understand just what kind of room it was.
It was a kind of throne room.
And Aizen sat there on a high throne, waiting for her.
He wasn't alone. Gin was on the same floor level as her with that same fox-like smile on his face. But he wasn't the one she was getting a bit concerned about.
An armless Arrancar with striking blue hair stood on the floor as well. It was the one Ichigo fought that night. Grimmjow. The one who attacked them without permission. The memory of feeling like an absolute dumbass for attacking him to try and stop him from using his sword was quick to flood her mind. She also remembered how they nearly clashed if it weren't for Tousen stopping them. But why was he missing his arm?
Grimmjow was looking at her with furrowed brows, as if trying to understand just why she was present in the throne room. Ulquiorra shut the doors behind her when she stepped a few feet into the room. Her head snapped back to see the proof of the closed doors.
"Katsuko."
The girl brought her attention back to Aizen who didn't show any kind of displeasure from her attempt to escape. Instead, he beckoned her closer with a gentle gesture of his hand. Katsuko breathed heavily through her nose and lowered her head to hide her eyes from him while her hand rose to scratch the back of her neck.
Oh god… what now.
Grimmjow pulled his gaze away from her and chose to stare at some corner of the room with one hand in his pocket. She stopped when she was at least five feet away from the Arrancar but two feet away from Gin who tipped his head curiously when she glanced at him quietly.
"It has come to my attention that you can't sit still." Aizen simply said, referring to her escape attempt. "That's why, I've decided to assign you a warden during your stay in Las Noches." Katsuko slightly paled when she might have realized who could be assigned to her. And god, she desperately hoped it was the smiling clown on her right.
Grimmjow's gaze was directed to Aizen when he realized just why he was suddenly called into the throne room. And no, this little chore was not pleasing him in the slightest.
"Grimmjow Jaggerjaquez will be your warden."
FUCK.
Katsuko resisted the urge to look at the blue haired man.
Well, there goes any chance of escaping on my own now.
Grimmjow quietly clicked his tongue.
For fuck's sake.
They both hated this new arrangement.
...
...
...
After Ulquiorra dropped by to fetch Katsuko, Loly and Menoly were left behind to thin about the reminder. Katsuko was Aizen's special little guest, and it wouldn't be wise to harm her unless they wanted to get on his bad side. Loly only wanted to remain in Aizen's good graces due to her fierce loyalty and infatuation with him. And so, out of concern of Aizen disapproving of her actions, Loly was quickly walking through the halls to find Aizen and apologize for her actions. She'd somehow have to try and hold back lashing out at Katsuko until after she served her purpose.
The war was soon.
And Aizen was sure to win.
And so, that fake Soul Reaper wouldn't remain on their side for long.
And when that time came, she wanted first serve.
When Loly arrived at her destination, she noticed that the door was slightly left open. It was wide enough to let the voices inside leak outside. It sounded like Aizen was talking with Gin. What could they be talking about? She wasn't going to lie and say she wasn't curious. Could she learn something personal about Aizen that no one else could know?
"Hm… the poor thing."
"It's to be expected."
"I suppose little Hiragi Katsuko won't be having a good time."
Aizen smirked and turned his gaze away to look out the window. "Because she is of no use to me."
Loly's eye widened when he said that. She is of no use? Was that the truth of it all? So, why did he capture her and have an interest in her powers? Was it all a lie? But for what purpose? Loly didn't know what the truth was, but she was certain of one thing: Katsuko was useless to Aizen. She never had a place here because Aizen never wanted to use her. It was just as she told her! She was nothing!
The female Arrancar swiftly got up and used Sonido to get away from the door. Her face was twisted in sadistic anticipation. She knew what she wanted to do now.
There was no way not to notice Loly's presence at the door. No one in that room could let the slightest spiritual pressure fly over their head.
Aizen glanced towards the open door.
"For now, at least."
All the pieces have been set.
It was time to wait and watch.
【The Truth Of H-K I: Solitary Storm】
What could Aizen be planning to do?
Istg I'm always cramming to finish the chapters before before 11:59 PM on Mondays. Finishing work at 7 and rushing home to finish editing the chapters making me feel like I'm studying for an exam every week x_x. I don't wanna be rushing like this on my birthday lmaoo (I know I'm doing it to myself tho... am I secretly loving this torture?) Currently, 11:fifty something as I post this. I'm tired. I'll make corrections tomorrow!
Also, O=Overkill? Nah. O=Overcooked. If you get it, you get it.
Thank you for reading and I hope you have a nice day/night!