Chapter 3: Despondency
A/N: My apologies for the long wait. Thank you all for being so patient.
As a sort of defense counteraction, you avoided his gaze the entire trek back towards the bedroom. Remaining silent while he expertly led you back down the very same uncoordinated pathway you took before you'd gotten lost. A smart action on his part as you would no doubt attempt to memorize any other route.
In all honesty, you don't know how to feel about being escorted back to the room like a petulant child who didn't want to do what was required of them. The truth of the matter was that you hadn't made any real progress in your excursions but you simply attributed that to a lack of direction. In your current situation, you had no true idea of where you were supposed to go or how to successfully make it back home. That presents an even bigger problem than the man whose hand is enveloped around your smaller one.
"You really shouldn't wander around so late at night." He gently articulated.
You don't have a response to offer him and you'd rather maintain the stunned silence. Although, as much as you despise him, you have to admit that he might be right. It was as if the man prone to kidnaping knew full well what his underlings were capable of. You don't exactly think you received a warm reception upon your arrival. The interaction with the pigtailed girl proved just that. Everyone has a motive and it's better not to put yourself in a vulnerable position to be harmed.
In no time, you're guided back to the dimed, swank bedroom and the sight of the bed once again had your stomach in knots. That very bed that might wind up being the source of unspeakable evils later down the road if you don't make a move. As it stands, the bed was just a searing reminder of your forced imprisonment. You did not want to climb back into it with this man. But what choice did you truly have?
The warm hand previously holding your own places itself at your back, instantly snapping you out of thought.
"Come now, it's time to return to bed."
You decide not to fight it, instead choosing to pad nervously back to your designated side of the bed and slowly slip back under the covers. Though you remain close to the edge, unwilling to maintain close proximity to him. All of this happening under the watchful eye of your captor. You doubt that you'll be given a chance to slip away again.
You had to make him believe that you've entered a state of obedient complacency no matter how much it vexed you. If you could convince him that you've accepted the situation then you'd have a better chance at escape.
As an added precaution, you snatch up a few pillows and place them behind your side and his in a makeshift barrier. The pillows would never really provide any adequate protection but it was the thought that counted. Having the cushions there gave you peace of mind and that's all that mattered.
As you grudgingly settle back into the sheets, that suffocating feeling of helplessness comes over you again. Only after seconds of laying there, the sensation of tears welling up on your eyes became evident. Though you're entirely unsuccessful in willing them away, it takes true effort to stifle the coming sobs. This wasn't the ideal time or place for you to cry. You didn't want him to hear them - didn't want to show him any weakness. He couldn't afford to know just how torn up you were about the current situation. In essence, you have to bite into your bottom lip in an attempt to let the pain of doing so prevent you from succumbing to strong emotion swirling dangerously inside your chest again. A single tear escaped your eye and you quickly wiped it away.
In spite of the pained effort to convince yourself otherwise, you feel utterly trapped, trapped like there's no way out. While you acknowledge that thinking in such a way was detrimental, it's enviably the truth and there's nothing you can do about it.
Although it takes a minute, you eventually pull yourself together but mentally and emotionally. You didn't believe it at first but now you see how easily it was for someone to give up and fall into despair because it felt like their situation was hopeless. You couldn't afford to be one of those people. You're a firm believer that you'll make it out of this. You just have to be patient. Once some time passes, your eyelids droop and you're finally able to allow yourself to fall into a dreamless slumber.
Relative consciousness was what caused your eyelids to slowly flutter open to the room bathed in yellow sunlight. The way in which the beams of light were shining left a satisfying imprint, one that you tended to treasure since you were young. The thought of which made you smile. With a contented sigh, you nestled deeper in the sheets, wanting to savor the feeling for as long as you humanly could. You lay like that for a solid three seconds before your eyes ultimately snapped back open. A blinding white wall met your direct line of vision. In your drowsiness, you'd nearly forgotten where you were and you were disgruntled upon realizing that you were not in your own bedroom back at your apartment. You'd hoped that this all would be a dream and the fact that it's not makes it that much easier for the crushing disappointment to shine through.
The momentary dissatisfaction and confusion was quickly replaced by unpleasant shock when you glanced down and caught the sight of a young woman standing at the end of the bed with an expectant look. She was youthful with short dark hair, a slim build in a standard white uniform.
Unfortunately, you taking note of her youthful appearance doesn't stop you instantly jumping up from the bed on the defense.
She quickly brought both hands up in a non-threatening manner to show you she meant no harm. "My Queen! I'm so sorry…I didn't mean to startle you!" She scrambled.
Although she appeared relieved that you were finally awake.
A glance to the other side of the bed revealed that it was empty and was a huge relief in itself. You didn't know if you could stand being in his company so soon after waking up.
"Please forgive me." The woman bowed low at the waist. "My name is Rion. Lord Aizen has assigned me to be your personal handmaiden. I was specifically ordered to assist you generally whenever you may need it."
A handmaiden? What was this Game of Thrones?
There was nothing this maiden could do that you couldn't do for yourself. Her smile seemed nice but so did Aizen's initially.
You drew the duvet up closer to your chest. "I don't need a handmaiden."
She took in a slight breath but her smile persisted. "That's probably very true. However, my job remains the same. I've already run you a bath but I'm afraid that you've slept past breakfast. I can still have a spread of food prepared if you'd like."
"I'm not hungry." Your voice trailed off.
"Oh…well. I've run you a bath in the washroom."
You finally being permitted the chance to bathe should've been a source of great relief but as it stands, you're not at all thrilled at the prospect of being 'permitted' to do anything at this juncture. Particularly when you'd prefer to be left alone.
"Thank you." You answered. Even though the utterance was mostly an empty expression of gratitude.
Without much pretense, you release your grip on the sheets and anxiously slip out of bed all while regarding the woman with a wary countenance. To you, it didn't much matter how innocent the woman appeared - you didn't think there was anyone you could trust in this godforsaken place. It was already creepy enough that you had woken up to her watching you sleep.
"Um...where's the washroom?" You ask tensely.
"It's just behind that door there." She pointed to a set of adjoining doors on the right side of the large room.
Nodding, you began to strode over to the doors. In retrospect, you should've been put off by having to ask where the bathroom was. No, what put you off was the sound of the woman trailing assiduously on your heels along the way.
The offputting sound of which was what caused you to turn sharply on her. "Excuse me..what are you doing?"
"Oh! One of my duties is to help you bathe." Rion cheerfully explains.
Your blood seemed to turn to ice at that moment. Help you bathe? Did she really think you would agree to that? You were not five years old nor were you inept to the point where you needed anyone's help to merely clean yourself. Frankly, you're appalled that would even be expected of you. Right away, you know he arranged this. Who else had the power to do so?
You suppose that some semblance of solitude was important, if only to keep you sane.
"No. I don't need you to do that." You responded assertively.
Immediately, Rion's buoyant expression dropped and nervousness quickly took its place. "You don't understand. I must perform my duties to the best of my ability and I cannot neglect them."
"It's just a bath. Why would I need anyone's help for that?" You questioned exasperatingly.
"I can see how you think my aid is unnecessary but this is the order I have been given."
"Look I get it, you have orders that you have to follow but I have my own obligations." You shot back.
"My Queen, I don't mean to upset you."
"I am not your Queen!" You angrily shouted.
The startled look on the woman's face had you feeling slightly guilty.
"I'm not upset with you. I just can't accept everything being thrown at me right now."
Obviously, the conversation wouldn't yield a mutual agreement so You tried a different approach instead for different results.
After all that's happened, you desperately need peace and quiet in order to ease your obstreperous mind and allow you to think clearly. You seriously think you're on the verge of having a breakdown. You wanted a safe place to process your emotional state alone and right now it seemed like the woman was impeding on that.
"You're supposed to listen to what I say right? I'm supposedly your Queen right?"
Her brows knitted in confusion. "...Yes."
"Then I want to bathe myself."
"But my Queen, I was ordered…"
"That's my request. I want you to stand out here and wait until I'm finished." You ordered.
The maid looked visibly distressed but she said nothing further - not wanting to disobey a direct order. You can tell that she was very uneasy about not being able to aid in helping you bathe like she was bid to.
"You'd be helping me by doing that." You added.
"But if Lord Aizen found out…"
"He won't." You assured her. "Not unless someone tells him."
After some moments of consideration, the woman finally gave a faint nod of approval towards the hastily made compromise.
And with that, you head for the doors once more, not surprised when the woman takes a few steps closer despite her initial agreement. You and her maintained eye contact until you shut the door.
After closing the door, you pressed your back against its surface and sighed in frustration. Thereafter your eyes did a quick sweep of the bathroom's interior, specifically scanning the corners for any sort of surveillance or camera. Aside from looking, there was no way to tell if you were being watched or not. Given your captor's pendant for watching, you can't exactly put such a thing past him. The man had shown you exactly who he was and that made it hard to regard him any different. He literally admitted to watching you like the ultimate creepy stalker.
Once your inspection produced the desired results, you allowed yourself to decompress. The exchange with the other woman had left you considerably wind up.
Considering all that you've seen so far, an institutional white bathroom wasn't the slightest bit unusual. Still you have to note that the design of the bathroom was splendid. Crisp, polished white accents with simplistic bright hues. Marble and gleaming tiles. A built-in tub that could hold a number of people with water adjusting controls that reminded you of a spa. Clearly there wasn't another color in mind that could be used. The obsession with the bleak absence of color hinted at a knack for perfection. White was a neutral color, meant to be serene and calming but it was having the opposite effect on you since your arrival.
As stated, Rion had indeed run you a bath. The vapors from the water let you know that it was also scented if the abundance of bubbles were any further indication.
Gradually, ridding yourself of the silk nightgown and underwear, you stepped in the water one foot at a time before slowly ascending into the steaming water. The scalding hot water worked quickly to sooth the tenseness in your limbs. And you were sure that the water was doing its part by washing away two days worth of stress.
Once you settled in the steaming bath, you didn't start bathing right away. You just needed a moment first. Instead, you hugged your legs to your chest, watching blankly as the water rippled with the movement. It was there that you did more thinking than you'd done in a long while. About your situation, about your unchecked emotions, about everything.
Although, you're not the type to wallow in your own misery. You find it hard to mentally escape the reality that you're currently trapped in. The breathing was more of an attempt to gain control over the unbearable elevation of intense feelings. It's not like you to feel so out of control - so helpless.
With those thoughts apparent, you started to bathe slowly, taking your sweet time. As you didn't know when you'd receive time to yourself again. You went about the task as though you were on autopilot. When you considered yourself sufficiently clean, you procured a nearby towel hanging on a rack and wrapped it around yourself.
The huge mirror over the countertop displayed your reflection back to you. You looked the same, nothing about you had changed except for looking a bit tired. You didn't look like a woman that was barely holding on but you certainly felt like one.
Over the counter, there were a number of bottles, all of them varying in size and shape. Most of which you easily recognized as the products are the very same products you've used one before. Some of which for years back at your own home. If that were the case, what were they doing here? They couldn't be the very products from your bathroom in your own apartment. In fact, they all looked very new. You're deeply unsettled by how prepared these people were for your arrival. Your experience here just continued to get weirder and weirder as time went on.
Still, you knew how this came about. Two years were certainly more than enough time for Aizen to effectively learn about any habits or interests that you may have as well as the hygiene products you used in your daily life. His words and behavior in the dining room was proof of it. Shamelessly, he'd demonstrated how much learned about you over time through his unwarranted observation of your life. He shouldn't be privy to that kind knowledge about you but he was.
Truthfully, he was no different than those deranged men that kidnap women and keep them locked in their basement. Even though you weren't tied up and left in a dark room, the whole place was nothing but a pretty, white prison. As far as concerned, you were still a prisoner.
Although your hair would surely appreciate the added moisture, you opted not to touch the hair products. In your mind, using them would count as a sort of acceptance towards your situation and you don't want to accept anything else from him. Despite your previous fictitious agreement made with him that you would.
With the available brush and some water from the tap, you're able to maneuver your curly mass into a sleek low bun.
Unsurprisingly, when you open the door, Rion is standing there like a timid mouse.
"I hope I can assist you with dressing in your attire."
Briefly, you thought about protesting but you figure that you could cut the girl a break just this once. She seemed like she'd have an aneurysm if she didn't be of some assistance to you.
You stared at your reflection in the mirror for a long moment. The outfit is beautiful and elegant. Something a member of royalty would wear. It hugs your waistline and accentuates your figure as its purpose intended. The upper part reminded you of a corset but the design showed that it was not quite so. The necklace was square, allowing the slightest cleavage to be shown in a fashion that could still be considered modest. The sleeves are flared. There's a slit along the side of the dress, showing the slightest bit of your leg. With a slim fitting bodice that reminded you of a corset only made of soft material. A pair of platform sandals completed the look.
"Oh you look wonderful my Queen." Rion wondrously remarked, elated at your reflection in the mirror.
Did you really?
When did you become so immensely pessimistic in such a short timeframe? There's never been a time in your adult life where you questioned your own beauty based on someone else's account.
Personally, you don't look like yourself. The outfit made you feel something you weren't able to decipher at the moment. Looking a certain way was one thing but feeling was another. It reminds you of one of those dress up dolls your mother used to consistently buy for you to play with. Honestly, it's left you baffled.
"Thank you but…I'm not your Queen. I'm not anyone's Queen." You coldly clarify.
The woman looked saddened by your despondent choice of words.
"But you are Lord Aizen's consort, so wouldn't that make you…"
"No, it doesn't."
Rion nods in tentative understanding before she displays a kind smile. "Well, no matter what title you prefer to go by, you are still very beautiful."
You meant to immediately rebuff her but a smooth voice cut through the air with the precision of a sword.
"That's quite the observation Rion." A male's voice fluently cut through the air.
With Aizen's unexpected appearance, your uncomfortability levels have abruptly skyrocketed. You don't look in his direction right away, rather you choose to focus your gaze solely on the reflection staring back at you. You didn't see the benefit of giving him your immediate attention or looking him in the face. You don't need to glance towards the entrance to know that the man was smiling at you both. How long he'd been standing there, you can't exactly say.
From the corner of your vision, you zeroed in on him approaching the two of you with suave, easy steps. Every movement he made was done with self-assured grace. After a few long measured strides, he's soon towering over you from the side. The heat at your back as a result of him is unnaturally unwelcoming. His alluring scent fills your nostrils. Though the close proximity puts you on edge immediately.
Some unspoken gesture from him had the young maid bowing and quietly retreating from the room altogether. Listening to Rion's retreating steps had put you slightly on edge as you did not want to be left along with the man once again. In fact, all the tension in your body that you thought the hot bath had taken away suddenly returned in a matter of seconds.
He stands frustratingly tall over you, a feat since you wouldn't exactly label yourself as a short person.
"You look positively beautiful." He compliments with that same eerily polite voice.
The comment made you scoff inwardly. The nerve of him to think you cared what he thought of you. Though it didn't make you think. Could that supposed beauty be the very reason for him taking you away from everything you ever loved? He hadn't revealed it as such but that might wind up being the actual basis for all you know especially since the man hadn't felt the need to tell you what attracted his attention to you in the first place. Besides, what reasoning could he possibly have for doing all that he'd done to you? Honestly, you were dying to know.
You made even more of an effort to avoid those gorgeously, regal features as they stood a good chance at ensnaring you.
"My apologies for not being present when you awoke. I had not meant to leave you alone so soon but important matters arose."
You didn't offer a response. Matter of factly, you crossed your arms over your midsection not just in a show of disinterest but as a protective measure as well. Regardless of how minor or insignificant, it was your attempt at guarding your well-being. He shouldn't have this much power over you and your emotions.
"Will you not turn to face me?"
After some deliberation, you raised your chin to meet his expectant gaze. Straight away, your sight was filled with his chiseled jawline and prominent cheekbones. Luminous wavy hair was slicked back with only that single strand of wavy hair hanging forward past his angular nose.
Predictably, Sosuke's face was schooled perpetually in a show of composed sophistication.
You bit down on the inside of your jaw, lips tightening into an aberrant lour. It was hard to pretend that you didn't hate the guy with every fiber that encompasses you. It would seem that you're growing way too familiar with his characteristics. Or it's just that he's really good at rattling your emotions.
"I have something for you." In his hand is the pink that contained the necklace he somehow got for you.
"I'd like you to wear it today? Can you do that for me?"
Once again, you're reminded that you felt quite the opposite. How you've remained calm up to this point, was a grand mystery in itself. Combating your nervousness was becoming a mastered skill by this point. If doing so were a sport then you were currently the MVP.
Even with him standing just behind you, you stood firm on not giving him the attention he wanted. If you could crawl into yourself and hide then you surely would in that moment. You tried not to tremble as his fingertips made contact with your skin. Heat rushed into your cheeks at the touch. You'd never get used to having his hands on any part of your person. You hated having this sort of reaction to him. He was your captor, your kidnapper. How could you become his significant other when you don't even trust or feel safe around him.
Looking into those conspicuous brown eyes another realization swiftly became palpable - this man was devious.
And here the devious man was putting the coveted, resplendent necklace around your neck. The necklace that you swore you'd never wear once you discovered that he'd procured it for you. Aizen clasped the necklace on without issue. Just as you first suspected, the necklace looked fairly pretty hanging from your neck. The gleaming pendant reached down into the valley of your cleavage.
Sadly you couldn't relish how good it looked on your person. He'd completely ruined the idea of it being in your possession to the point where you didn't want it anymore. All that time spent desiring to save enough money to buy it was now wasted. What was likely intended to be sweet felt like an empty gesture. The piece of jewelry felt cold and desolate touching your heated skin.
By chance of cruel recollection, You remembered how your father always did things like this for your mother. You remember how they both looked at each other with adoration and it foretold a love deeper than comprehension - deeper than reason. It was hard not to get emotional and you tried to mask your sadness before it had the chance to truly take hold.
Had they even noticed that you were missing? Were they looking for you? God you missed them.
No matter how much you want to deny it, you know in your heart that Sosuke Aizen remains the most charming, deceptively polite individual you've ever had the displeasure of meeting. For that reason alone, he terrified you because you don't know how to handle him. It would be a different story if he were a gruff, boisterous individual that met your defiance with anger and violence. No. Aizen's methods are exceedingly paradoxical to say the least when compared to the former. The man didn't raise his voice, nor did he handle you unkindly. Your stubborn, resistant efforts were received with forbearing gentleness and lenience. You would expect no less than that especially when everything about him was smooth and refined.
"There. Don't you think it looks even more beautiful around your neck."
"...yes." You replied in an airy voice that was slightly above a whisper.
Him placing the necklace around your neck was meant as a kind gesture. But that's the thing - kindness isn't supposed to be imposing. It mirrors a form of psychological manipulation and you're sure it's not his first implementing it on you. He's unpredictable for the most part and it's nearly impossible to know what he'll do or say next. It was all you could think staring at his smirking visage was that his smirk hides malevolence. And it's left you afraid - afraid that behind his devilishly handsome features lives a monstrous entity.
Slender fingers came up to softly graze your cheek. "Wouldn't you like to express your gratitude to me?"
There's a growing intensity to his eyes this time, one you couldn't pretend not to notice. You were unable to meet his gaze for the longest and now you know why.
"Thank you." You answered tightly.
Those deep chocolate eyes are suddenly heavily-lidded below sweeping eyelashes. The heated look had returned to those deep brown eyes and you don't want to name what it makes you feel when he looks at you in that way. He's weaving a net around you and it's getting tighter and tighter. Trying to reel you into his web. It just felt off, the very nature of it questioning. Something about his very being unnerved you. The man shouldn't be able to intimidate you in such a manner.
When he looks at you, you can't help but feel that oppressive, suffocating look of desire. He's charming, deceptively respectful. It almost feels imposing. You've never known a man be so frightening and it's cause for great concern.
"While verbal appreciation is nice…I'd prefer a more, physical form of gratitude."
You jolted.
Oh no. Surely the man couldn't be implying what you thought he was.
He didn't necessarily have to say what he wanted, you knew what alternative form of gratitude he was referring to. You realize what he wants from the intensity of the look. The man's gaze is leveled intently on you and you desperately wanted to redirect your line of sight back away from him. In spite of the sweet implication, it still strangely felt like a demand. Almost like you were expected to give him what he wanted - it didn't matter that it always sounded like his voice was tinged with honey.
Kissing was a form of affection, something intimate that lovers did and you and him were nothing of the sort. In addition to that, your affirmative consent was needed for the act to take place. Decidedly, you weren't at all mentally prepared for anything like that.
Despite everything that had taken place already, you really hoped that he wouldn't take this route. Though it killed you to give in, you suppose that you could accommodate him just this once for the greater good. Going about things in a pragmatic way would only benefit you in the long run.
Summoning up a decent amount of courage, you balance on your tiptoes to propel your forward to plant a peck on his lip before retreating immediately afterwards.
One of his large hands came up to take hold of your waist and you tensed further when Aizen began to lean down, dipping his head to engulf your trembling lips in a more fulfilling kiss. This time it wasn't a simple peck on the lips, it was more prolonged. The soft kiss was astonishingly saccharine. There's a hint of mint you can detect on his breath. Not that you would have expected anything different from him. Right away, something started to churn deep in the deepest pits of your stomach. Nevertheless, you were adamant that your mouth remained closed as you didn't want it to go beyond anything but chaste.
You can't entirely explain the strange feeling his lips induced while they were on yours but it definitely was striking. Of course you've been kissed before, there's no question about that but never had a kiss left you feeling quite like you did at the present. It was extremely unusual.
You wouldn't give him the chance to part your mouth open. Already, you're painfully aware of how persuasive he can be with his mouth just by talking. He's the embodiment of a soft-spoken sociopath.
As luck would have it, he didn't take advantage of the situation as you thought he would and you released a small steadying breath upon the removal of his lips from yours. And in that instant something became remarkably apparent. Having the man's lips on your felt morally abhorrent. The only reason you'd given in was to try and convince the man that you were at least tolerant of the circumstances. He needed to feel like you were compliant, anything other than that could severely threaten your chances.
Ultimately, Aizen appeared rather satisfied with the current situation.
"I'm terribly sorry I can't accompany you on the tour. Some urgent matters still require my attention and I may be gone for the better half of the day." He reiterates in that cultured baritone. "However, I've arranged for a tour of the fortress to provide you a better understanding. We certainly wouldn't want you getting lost again."
You're in no way, shape, or form stupid, you know full well what the true purpose of the tour was without him even saying it. It was his way of showing you that even if you learned and memorized every inch of the fortress, you still wouldn't stand a chance at escaping. His actions were frighteningly methodical and cunning. There's no doubt in your mind that this was another one of his mind games that he was good at playing. He probably does the same to all the people that serve him both willing and unwilling.
"We will have to reconvene for dinner and make up for any lost time." He affirms with that annoying refined intonation.
"Okay."
The whole experience had left you feeling flustered and anxious for what was to come next. Just what did Aizen have up his sleeve? What was he planning to do next? Only time would tell but you're not sure that time was a luxury that could be afforded to you in the manner that you'd like.
You quietly surveyed each place Rion led you to. Every hall, every corner, every crevice of the place. The structural layout is something you've never seen before in your life. Every wall is huge, thick, and glaringly white. It was just too huge for you to memorize it all and navigate on your own. Just how legit of an architect does someone have to be to construct a place colossal that it takes days to perambulate around its perimeter. It was the most insane notion to ever cross your mind in a long while.
"Las Noches comprises several other massive buildings. We can't possibly venture into every part of the fortress today, it's far too expansive. In fact, just walking around the perimeter of Las Noches would take six full days."
Your eyes widened at the disclosure. She had to be exaggerating. If that wasn't the case, booking it on foot was completely out of the question.
First off, you don't even know what to look for. A door? A portal? Up to now, all you were able to put together was that you were transported here via a dark chasm of sorts but nothing more than that. Is there a specific place where the chasm was located? You didn't know where to find it but maybe she did.
"...though that is mostly where the Espada resides."
She spoke of him so casually, so highly. As if he had no faults. It was oddly chilling. To hear someone talk about the man as if hadn't taken you from everything you ever loved. You wondered how she'd react if you told her that you didn't want to hear it. That you believed it was bullshit. Would the sunny disposition still be present?
"Lord Aizen seems very taken by you. I'm sure he's glad to have you here as well." She beamed.
You tried to conceal your grimace at the revelation. Rion's attitude could only be described as joyful delusion. She was awfully fond of him and didn't exactly keep it a secret. She spoke of him with a person indoctrinated in a cult who adored their leader and would do anything for them. It made you wonder if the people who resided here were present of their own free will. You could tell that she meant no harm but her delighted temperament did nothing for your attitude.
"I don't care what makes him glad." You mumbled.
You're not interested in the type of man other's believe him to be, specifically when those others are his subordinates. No one can convince you what a great man Aizen was when you'd already made a solid deduction based on your own experience with him.
"Lord Aizen is known to be a very patient and ambitious man. We all have our roles but we're here solely to help further that ambition. He's become a great source of inspiration for many of the arrancar."
In an act of rage, ground your teeth together despite attempting to bite back the rise of emotion. "And yet he kidnapped me." You replied with the utmost seriousness.
Rion's smile suddenly dropped.
"I'm sure that there's a reasonable expression as to why he would implicate such a drastic method." She whispered.
She was grasping at straws and she knew it as well as you did. There was no reasonable explanation for a man to kidnap a woman. It didn't matter what morals came into play. His actions simply cannot be excused.
You were itching to get out of this place and you would do whatever it took. Unable to pretend any longer, you seized the woman by the shoulders and pushed her against the wall. "Look, I don't want to play games here. I want you to help me get back home."
The woman regarded you with a horrified expression, her eyes round.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible. While I will serve you in any way that I can, I am fiercely loyal to Lord Aizen. Doing that would go against his wishes." She answered nervously.
"Then just tell me where to go." Your pulse furiously escalates.
Her face suddenly displays a range of emotions with apprehension being the most recognizable. She began to wring her hands together fearfully. "I cannot…if Lord Aizen has not ordained it…"
In a fit of acute frustration, you push away from her, brows drawn together in aggravation. Her response really didn't give you any hope. With every passing second, the understanding that you were truly trapped in this place with barely any hope of returning home was becoming awfully apparent.
Rion silently watched, concerned at your poor attempt at keeping a panic attack at bay.
"I know you are not here of your own free will. But if I were to help you, Lord Aizen would know and…" Her words trailed off into silence and you knew the implication behind it without her having to say it.
If she helped you escape then something terrible would likely befall her. There'd be hell for her to pay. Disobeying their 'Lord's' wishes was clearly not a viable option for them. There's a hierarchy here where clearly Aizen holds all the power. He was king in this place and none dared to oppose his will. They do exactly as he bids them no questions asked. One thing was made clear and that was that he had the loyalty and respect of many.
She was kind, patient even. While you could appreciate that in some aspects, it wasn't helping your case in the slightest. Regardless of how upset you are at the moment, you can't fault her. You could understand her reasoning despite her outright refusal to assist you in getting back home. Still, it didn't provide you any real solace.
You pressed a hand to your forehead out of frustration.
Even with you hanging onto that shred of hope, it gives you the incentive to keep looking for a way to escape. You weren't deterred, you'd make it out of here. You just had to keep trying - there wasn't much of a choice for you not to.
The sound of footsteps coming in the vicinity caught both the attention of you and the other woman. You easily spot the pale man, Ulquiorra as he was called and another woman you hadn't seen before. Her burnt orange hair hung in long waves down past her shoulders. She wore a standard school uniform that instantly told you that she was still young. A high schooler perhaps?
You took note of the nervous but vacant look on her face as she followed behind the man.
In a brief second, you and her made eye contact and you bore witness to it all. The fear, the apprehension. You could blatantly see in her eyes that she was frightened although she tried to conceal that fear behind a composed façade.
You had no clue who she was or what she was doing in a place like this but you did know that she didn't belong here anymore than you did. All things considered, you wouldn't be surprised to find out that you weren't the only person brought here against your will.
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