Chapter 4

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~~Expedition~~

Serelah blocked the last attack of his sword as she fell across the sand, his speed startling her. Ulquiorra dashed towards her once again aiming for her face with more force than before as she held the sword in her face to block his move. The sword getting closer to her nose as Ulquiorra pushed further with force, she closed her eyes as she concentrated energy into her sword, shoving him away with her spiritual energy. Taken aback by her attack, he quickly leapt out of the attack keeping some distance to himself. She panted heavily before she watched him place his sword in it's sheath.

She had made sure to arrive early for the training as she guessed Ulquiorra was one to be punctual. She didn't want to look tardy and lazy. She figured Ulquiorra kind of already detested her. So she would have to get on his good side...if he had one.

They had trained for 4 hours straight with no break, as expected of Ulquiorra. She couldn't complain as she had no right to, she needed the training with her life, she also needed to prove to him she was a worthy arrancar. She guessed Ulquiorra was someone hard to impress, someone hard to please. You needed something to wow him before he could even so much as acknowledge you. Although she didn't know when or if she would ever get to that level, in the training, she had got a better hand of the sword and she wasn't as shaky, she still couldn't predict his attacks though and that somehow scared her, he always managed to attack her randomely, catching her off guard.

She made sure to try and memorize his fighting style, but would always get distracted by the sudden force of his strike. He was a ruthless trainer, and she was kind of grateful for that. Her condition now, she didn't need someone who would pamper her or go easy on her for the sake of it. Ulquiorra was unfeeling and relentless and she was at least content she had a master like such.

Seeing as he had maintained his sword back in it's scabbard, she assumed he had called an end to the training. She did the same before looking to him as he advanced over to her, stopping a few feet from her but leaving a good distance. "Your swordsmanship has improved barely." he started, staring at her. She gritted her teeth looking towards the floor in shame. Leave it to Ulquiorra to turn a compliment to a twisted insult. Like she thought before, it would be rare to see commendation escape his lips. He glanced at her now bleeding arm before returning his eyes to her face.

"Your attacks are still very predictable...work on it." he stated. By that statement, she knew he was saying she didn't have to wait for him before she could practice which was sensible. He turned on his heel before looking at her over his shoulder. "Follow." he ordered and she immediately complied walking cautiously behind him. They exited the training grounds and into the spacious halls of Las Noches, walking quietly. She didn't know where he was leading her but she decided to seal her mouth shut as she realized he probably wasn't in a talking mood, well most of the time he's not, but he would most probably ignore her if she would ask, like the last time.

After walking for approximately ten minutes, they came to a stop and her head snapped up towards him. They had stopped in front of a rather white door, not nearly as big a the throne room.

He stood stiffly before opening it. She stood in place for a moment, thinking whether to enter or not, was this is his room or? She shook her head at the thought, there was no way he would bring her into his room, they were definitely not that familiar with themselves. Collecting her thoughts, she entered into the room as the door closed gently behind her. She looked back to see it was Ulquiorra who had closed the door as he gazed at the ground deep in thought. She faced front again and noticed the place, everywhere was white with medical facilities and equipments. She figured it was probably their clinic or something, although she was still wondering why they were here in the first place. She was pretty sure she still didn't manage to even lay a cut on Ulquiorra so why were they even here to begin with?

The room was rather spacious as her head turned to the ceiling before looking around her taking in the surroundings.

As if their very presence was danger itself, an arrancar woman rushed forward from a door opposite to them, almost tripping as she passed by her to Ulquiorra she would presume. She had to roll her eyes at her irritating behavior, always fidgeting and acting abnormal when an Espada was around.

She looked back at them to see him giving her some orders, then immediately the arrancar had rushed to her side. "Please come take a seat." the arrancar said making Serelah turn back to look at Ulquiorra only to catch him staring at them rather boredly. She looked towards the arrancar before nodding and going to the nearest seat. The arrancar came to sit next to her, watching her for a moment before hesitantly taking her arm. The lilac haired woman pulled her arm back rather instinctively in confusion and irritation.

"What are you trying to do?" she growled lowly. The servant sighed before replying. "Lord Ulquiorra has ordered me to treat your injuries." she whispered. Serelah's eyes widened before she glanced at him briefly, he was leaning against the wall idly, his hands in his pockets as he watched them. Serelah averted her gaze and looked to the arrancar. "P-proceed." she muttered staring at the ground. She now understood why he had brought her here in the first place. She had injuries that needed to be taken care of and not the other way around. Although she still didn't get why he decided to, the last time, she had gone back to her room to rest in peace while her wounds healed gradually by themselves.

She flinched slightly as the servant dabbed some liquid that stung her arm. Ulquiorra had not gone easy in their training and effortlessly slashed her arm, producing a deep gash.

After about thirty minutes of the arrancar doing it's job, she stood up flexing her now bandaged arm. She looked up curiously as Ulquiorra sped walked towards her, gently taking her arm all the while examining it before dropping it unceremoniously.

"Now that that's taken care of..." he muttered, he turned on his heel and walked to the door before stopping abruptly.

"Follow." he simply said making Serelah frown in confusion. Where was he taking her now? Deciding she wasn't going to pester him, she sighed before following behind him quietly. Now that she thought about it, she never really communicated with the Espada. She was completely silent and she didn't even realize she subconsciously acted submissive. Definitely the Espada must've noticed her docile behavior. Not that she was going to change her attitude, she was just pleased with the fact she didn't come off as a pesky and loud subordinate, that would definitely make him despise her all the more.

They came to a halt at the all too familiar large doors making Serelah look at Ulquiorra's head waiting for him to maybe give an explanation. "W-why are we here? Did I do something wrong?" she asked in a worried manner. She saw no reason why they would both be here. Fraccions definetly never followed their masters to Espada meetings as it was for the Espadas. The feeling of being completely perplexed and ignorant of things around her was extremely infuriating. No, she wasn't one for surprises and unexpected events, she preferred planning before hand and preparing.

He turned half way to her, staring blankly before replying. "No. Aizen simply requires of our presence." he replied. She nodded before she continued. "So he's not gonna punish me?" she confirmed once again.

"I beleive I just verified that didn't I?" he retorted making her drop the conversation. She crossed her arms over her chest, raising her head up. "If you say so...shall we?" she said.

He faced forward, introducing himself as Ulquiorra behind the doors before entering into the dark room along with her. After entering into the dim room, the door closed gently behind them with no one doing so, As always.

Ulquiorra had walked further to Aizen's throne and bowed meekly, he subtly turned his head to glare at her, basically telling her to do the same. She tensed before walking further a bit to kneel to Aizen. This was the second time she'd been in the throne room if she was correct. No espadas or arrancars, great. She didn't need unwanted comments from anyone as of now. She also highly disliked the fact everyone needed to be all so submissive to 'lord Aizen'. And Ulquiorra clearly looked like he didn't have a problem with it, she could tell cause she knew when anyone was faking although she has not seen anyone honour him yet, she knew when praise and admiration was forced...like her.

She didn't understand how Ulquiorra couldn't see that Aizen was merely using him as some tool? She was aware that when Aizen was finished with achieving any weird goal he had, he'd definetly dispose of his 'fellow espadas'. She couldn't tell Ulquiorra what she thought of him of course. She was certain he would just kill her right then or maybe torture her...

She cringed at the thought.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard Aizen's voice boom through the hall. She raised her head up not catching what he had said. "Do you have a problem with that Serelah?" Aizen asked her. She widened her eyes in confusion before clearing her throat. "Y-yeah-I mean no, no I don't have a problem with that." she exclaimed, cursing inwardly at herself at how her mind seemed to drift away so quickly.

"Okay, if you agree. Ulquiorra, you can start leaving in a few hours time so you both can prepare. Is that acceptable?" he addressed making Serelah look at Ulquiorra expectantly, he continued to face Aizen, his attention fixated on him. "Yes my lord." he complied. Serelah only felt all the more confused, her brows furrowing. She would ask Ulquiorra later on, although she was still kind of afraid to as he would most likely reprimand her for her inability to concentrate in the most vital times.

"Serelah, this mission will only enhance your training and skills as well as your abilities. That's why I thought it perfect for you to follow Ulquiorra on this journey. Make sure not to dissapoint us." Aizen declared, Serelah had to stop herself from almost yelling a 'what'.

"Yes Lord Aizen." Ulquiorra responsed. Serelah glared at the ground as she grit her teeth in apparent irritation of the whole situation. She knew it was their cue to leave and stood up abruptly as she gave Aizen one look as he just widened his smile all the more. She didn't know why he found the most enjoyment in unsettling others.

Ulquiorra had already strode off to the exit quietly waiting for her before she quickly snapped her attention to the Espada. She didn't want to utter any complaints as that would probably irk Ulquiorra. She followed him out of the dreadful area before sighing to herself. That was what she hadn't heard earlier. They were to execute a mission in the next few hours or so. She wished she could have been informed earlier as she would have prepared, maybe train. But what was the point of the mission? That's a question she would bury for later.

They continued to walk the hallways in silence as she noticed they were taking a rather familiar direction.

The raven haired man suddenly stopped at her quarters as she eyed him skeptically before he began. "Meet me at the entrance in the next few hours as I won't tolerate a dilatory behavior...the mission must be done as fast as possible." he warned. She nodded in understanding before hesitantly proceeding to ask the Espada. "I apologize for not being attentive enough in the meeting, but if you don't mind...what exactly is the purpose of this mission. She asked despite herself as she stared at the floor intently, not able to meet his scrutinizing gaze. She heard him sigh very lightly, probably in annoyance or irritation.

"Indeed you have a custom for not paying attention at the most vital situations, but that is none of my concern. I won't repeat what you could have known due to your inability to have the sense to be attentive in Lord Aizen's presence. Perhaps when we reach our destination, you will find the answer to your unnecessary question." he articulated monotonously. Serelah widened her eyes to stare at him but found him evidently walking away, leaving her gawking at his retreating figure.

She could tell he was irritated at her stupidity which was entirely her fault, but she didn't expect that harsh and impudent reply. It only made her understand the Espada more clearly now. He was an emotionless being with no room for mistakes and juvenile behavior. While she on the other hand wasn't any of those, she wasn't completely void of emotions, but she was most certain that she was a staid woman. He had made her feel like a toddler that couldn't adhere to instructions which wasn't the case. Once again she had given him another reason to detest her. The only way she could perhaps grant her apologies the appropriate manner is maybe proving her strength and usefulness in the upcoming mission. That was acceptable at least. She wasn't a shallow hollow and she wouldn't let the other think of her as one, especially her superior.

Ulquiorra had informed her to join him in the next couple of hours, so she would use an hour and some to train on her own before freshening up and preparing for the journey. That was plausible to an extent. Deciding she had made the right choice, she passed by her quarters, not entering anytime soon as she paraded the hallways, her steps precise.

Surprisingly she found Las Noches to be quite peaceful. She was expecting fights every now and then but was surprisingly proven wrong, perhaps since the hollows evolution to arrancar, they must have greatly metamorphosed, leaving their minds less irrational with more reason. If she could recall, before she arrived here, she had always thirsted for souls and other hollows to fill up the perpetual void she always felt that never ceased to end at the time, but subsequent to the hogyoku being used on her, that hunger had greatly subsided leaving her to feed on the reiatsu that encompasses the whole of Hueco Mundo.

She had now concluded that enrolling in this army was not as bad as she thought it would be. Nobody had troubled her till now and it was almost as if there weren't even hollows living here. And to make things better, she didn't exactly have an abusive master. Ulquiorra was strict, she was aware of that, but he wasn't the type to get agitated quickly unless you pushed his buttons...someone like grimmjow was a good example to do that.

If it meant serving a superior and gaining more power, she would be more than willing to oblige. She didn't love or like her new way of life, she just prefered it to gobbling on hollows and souls with nothing to live for. She still wasn't aware of Aizen's goal and his purpose for leading an army full of adjuchas-class hollows and most certainly vasto lordes, but she wouldn't interfere as she had made that decision long ago. She would obey whatever orders he would give her, but she didn't want to get in his plans. She figured him and his comrades were ex-shiningamis as he literally led a pack of hollows, that's how she got the idea he was certainly different and obviously crazy.

Her persistent stroll to her fixed destination came to a halt as she percepted a certain immense amount of spiritual pressure. Her eyes widened briefly before she harkened noises and yells ahead of her. It wasn't one, but two. The latter's spiritual pressure was lessening while the other was flaring.

A battle?

Just when she thought hollows could possibly live peacefully.

If she retreated, it would be coward like but also logical. She really needed to get to the training grounds and she wouldn't let any hinderances change that. There was still a way she could manoeuvre her way there if she was careful enough.

Stepping closer, she noticed the corrider to the left. It was the source of the pair's battle. The closer she got, the more clearer she could hear the voices. By now she had already compressed her spiritual pressure to almost nothing, only one with immense amount of concentration would be able to sense her.

"How many times will I freakin' tell you to not get caught...Gah! It's frustrating!" the man yelled. It sounded like he was scolding someone and to confirm it, his spiritual pressure was equivalent to that of an Espada's. Judging by the situation, the former was probably scolding his fraccion...the hard way.

Then suddenly, a man came flying out the corrider making Serelah gasp in surprise and shock as he flipped countlessly through the hallways.

"Don't come back till you can get things right!" she heard the voice from before yell from the corrider making her flinch in fright. The espada had yet to see her and she was thankful for that as she sensed his spiritual pressure was slowly getting fainter as he strode off. She sighed at herself before looking to the injured Numero. He was now bleeding profusely as his hand rested on his deeply gashed abdomen making his ever white attire now stained with his blood along with his face displaying cuts all over. She stared at his disturbing state before jolting suddenly as the man spoke.

"What are you looking at? If you can't help, don't stare, you bitch! Who are you either way?" he spat as the plum-haired woman widened her eyes in disbelief, something she had done too many times today before her jaw clenched tightly in irritation. How dare the delinquent? He was definitely in no state to speak more or less address her like that. He was obviously a numero, nothing special. If she wanted, with his pathetic appearance, she could easily snap him in half at his foolishness, but refrained from doing so as Ulquiorra would most probably reprimand her greatly for killing a soldier in Aizen's army which was unacceptable.

She stepped forward confidently before crossing her arms over her chest. The blonde's glare not affecting her in the least. "Actually, I was just about to call for help but-"

"You liar! You're just saying that, nobody helps anyone here. Your words mean nothing! J-just...leave!" he snapped making the woman find his state all the more amusing. She watched as he raised his finger in an attempt to summon a cero, the dangerous red orb coming her way, it was strangely huge as she couldn't escape completely, the attack almost engulfing her before she retracted from the charge, wounding her already injured arm from before, the bandage already long gone. She panted heavily as she watched him steady himself up, his back slouched. "I'll so murder you for mocking me." he growled as he sonidoed right to her face, startling her as he punched her face sending the lady flying back a metres away. She had a bleeding mouth now and was highly infuriated. Wiping the blood from her edges, she watched as he advanced forward. Even in this state, he was beating her up? She refused to admit that fact as she lunged forward before she spun briefly to kick his face with much force. The Numero had flown backwards as she watched him with anger swimming through her orbs.

The blonde lean man coughed greatly as his blood splattered on the floor. "Trust me...w-when I say...I won't hesitate to...fucking k-k-kill you." he dragged his last word as he was using every thing in him to stand. Serelah, not done with her judgement yet, ignored his statememt and blinked as if dismissing his comments before she continued. "Anyway, as I was saying..." she began earning a groan from the obnoxious male. "Your condition is so disturbing to look at and by the looks of it-" she tilted her head to stare at his appearance once more in fake observation and pity, lightly shaking her head. "You don't have regenerative abilities which is why..." she commented in a high pitched sickly tone before glaring daggers at the man, her tone modifying. "I will impair you" she finished as she lifted her finger to his direction making the eye-patched man's eye widen in horror as she advanced towards him leaving a great distance.

"Cero." she whispered as she focused her energy into the red globule shaped attack as the orb grew larger by the second. The red blast of spiritual energy now fully developed blasted through the hallways as the blonde haired man screamed in agonizing pain making the maroon haired arrancar now satisfied with herself.

She didn't kill him. The cero was not enough to as she didn't put in that much energy. Maybe if the male was in a better state, he would have been able to easily block the attack. The man was foolish to think he could put up a fight in his pathetic condition. She didn't plan to get in a fight either, but the man was a nusisance that needed to be delt with and she had done so rightfully.

She certainly didn't miss the change in her cero though. It had become more powerful than before, again another result of the hogyoku. She knew the moment would come when she'd be able to summon her cero, but most certainly not like this. If that wasn't her, trying her best then she wondered just how strong it would have been if she imprinted all her energy into it. That would be for later, perhaps during her mission with Ulquiorra, she would be able to impress him with her still active skills.

Maybe then, he wouldn't think of her as some liability.

Arriving at her destination, she sighed once again before entering the training grounds, ready to begin her intense training in peace.

The lab was occupied with dozens of tubes positioned accordingly as the scientist sauntered around pouring chemicals from one flask to the other. His full attention on the experiment he spent hours to begin.

Ulquiorra had been leaning on the wall from the corner of the expanse, his hands idly placed in his pockets, posture rigid. He had been watching the scientist for some time now as he did his work, not asking any questions. Undoubtedly he wouldn't linger in the mad scientist's lab for no exact reason or purpose, he had requested of the Octava Espada to make a certain antidote for the upcoming mission, he had willingly agreed which mildly suprised the Quatro as he thought the eighth would somehow make an absurd offer to give him some experiment to study, but had actually seen it as some strange opportunity to put whatever he was doing to practice. It was a regenerative substance which he was trying to process into a consumable liquid that would cause no harm for consumption. The reason for the medicine was mainly his fraccion. Not that he cared for her health in the slightest, but regarding the information given to him, the hollow he had to eliminate in the operation was a deadly adjuchas-class menos with a mortal poisonous saliva that attacked it's enemies through it's compact duct which could apparently be life threatening to the maybe lower ranked Espadas.

It wouldn't affect him, not when he possessed an advanced high-speed regeneration which could overcome some incompetent poison while his fraccion on the contrary didn't exhibit those kind of abilities. He was actually dissapointed when Aizen had mentioned for him to bring Serelah along with him. To be honest, she would be a bother, a hinderance that would only prolong the mission unnecessarily. She was the reason he had to arrange a vaccine as she would most likely die if she to duel the hollow. He would be doing the most fighting, but there was no saying it wouldn't attack his other fellow.

Basically, in case his subordinate passed out, he would have a solution to the situation, most likely Aizen would not want his most recent recruited arrancar to just die in a mission he assigned to him, knowing he could prevent her death. If she died though, he would be relieved. He never wanted a fraccion to begin with, which was why, before Serelah had come in, was the only espada who had yet to own one. He wasn't even very fond of his fellow Espada, not much of a fraccion. But there was no questioning Aizen and his orders.

"Ulquiorra, come take a look at this." the scientist called, making the pallid man stroll to his side easily. His eyes had beholded a rather crimson liquid with disturbing looking insects floating in some experimental tube. The liquid was red, like blood, as he was aware it was made out of blood plasmas and clot. It seemed he was done with the antidote and wanted to elaborate on the curative.

"I am through with the work I had spent so much of my time on as you can see...not that I didn't enjoy the job, but it was time consuming." he began as Ulquiorra stared at the cup rather intently, it looked vile, but he didn't care considering he wasn't the one drinking it.

"I have implanted some blood cells into this chemical which is the exact same blood of the hollow you are trying to hunt." he conveyed making Ulquiorra look to him. "How is it that you gained the blood of the hollow we are trying to kill?" he asked blankly as if the man was the most stupid person on earth. The scientist smiled wisely as if expecting the quatro to ask that question. He placed his hand on his chin, studying the chemical with pride.

"It's like you still don't understand the extent of my abilities Quatro." he purred. Ulquiorra ignored his comment as he stared blankly waiting for him to proceed to the point.

"I have...quite a lot of collections of different hollow's organisms which I use for my studies. The hollow you are aiming to eliminate also known as the Grandioso Escupir is a well known hollow in Hueco Mundo which I just couldn't resist the urge to study. I didn't kill it, cause I didn't see the need to, I wanted to see if there was another way to counter it's poison as killing it off would have been too boring. So I sent Ylfordt to get a sample of the hollow's blood which he had handed over to me, but at that time, I didn't really have the time to examine and dilute it enough. but..." he clapped his hand as he feigned cheerfulness. "When you brought the offer of creating an antidote for the hollow's toxicant, I was more than glad to. So I polluted the monster's blood plasma with my own chemicals to create some sort of vaccine. So basically the vaccine will act as an antigen without inducing the poison." he finished making the stoic Espada blink slowly as he took in the information. His eyes drifted to the chemical once more before returning his gaze to the mad man.

"Very well, pour it into a container so I can get going." he replied, his voice giving the idea he didn't really care about his elaboration. The scientist immediately took the drink as he poured the contents into a nearby syringe before placing it to a synthetic packet. He looked at it shortly before handing it over to Ulquiorra as he collected it.

"You'll just have to inject the substance into her system and she'll be immune to the hollow's venom." he briefly explained as the Quatro placed the item in his pocket. Without saying another word, he turned on his heel and progressed to the exit, clearly in a hurry to get this over with.

As he reached his hand out to turn the knob, the scientist interrupted.

"By the way..." he purred slowly as Ulquiorra stood stiffly waiting for whatever statement he had to make. If it was irrelevant, he would dash off.

"I almost forgot to mention one thing." he started gaining the attention of the raven haired man as he looked at him from his shoulder.

"Make sure to inject that antidote only on the part of her body that was attacked with the poison. The container contains insects that eats off the toxic...insert the chemical to another portion of her body and the insects will start eating her insides." he explaines as he smiles mischievously.

Ulquiorra was a bit irked by the fact he only pointed that vital information out now. Imagine if he'd just injected the chemical into her arm not knowing the consequence. This man...

He didn't grace him with a reply as he faced forward, exiting the room immediately.

While he had been in the lab, he didn't dwell on it, but he felt Serelah's spiritual pressure flare along with a Número's...Nnoitra's fraccion, Tesra.

He couldn't understand why she had gotten in a fight with him of all people considering she hadn't even spent much of a week here. If she's causing problems and having enemies so early, he would react. Having a troublesome fraccion who was always getting in trouble would be bothersome and he didn't have that kind of time. Although from the little time he spent with her, he could see she wasn't that lousy and impish. So he didn't see why she would fight Tesra of all people, but now that he thought of it, he had quite a temper similar to his master. He wouldn't be surprised if he stirred the fight first.

Allowing his mind not to be bothered about her matters, the espada stalked the hallways allowing his mind to be free of all thoughts as he pursued his journey to the entrance. He could simply use sonido but prefered to stroll there this time. He immediatelty regretted the decision as a certain delinquent was nearing, his jaw clenching tightly as he knew the outcome of the situation.

"Well, well well...If it isn't Mr.perfect." the arrancar mused behind him as Ulquiorra did not even bother to stop and hear his foolish taunts. He actually had things to do unlike the fifth who would always bother him like he had nothing else better to do with himself.

He continued to walk, ignoring the idiot's chattering. He heard him cuss under his breath, probably annoyed he wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of gaining his attention.

"You know its rude to ignore people when they're talkin to ya." he added in a low tone as he followed the Quatro from behind. Ulquiorra was aware of his presence behind him meaning Nnoitra didn't dare try anything funny towards him as a battle between the two would be an obvious outcome.

"Do not trouble me Nnoitra. I have no time for your silly antics." Ulquiorra finally replied, speeding his steps slightly as he just wanted to be anywhere but near the blockhead. He wasn't running away, but dealing with him was just tiring and the encounters and one-sided conversations were beginning to become repetitive.

"So now you've got a fraccion of your own..." he began making the fourth almost roll his eyes at the obvious topic he would pick. He didn't get why he decided to talk about that as the lady in question wasn't anything that special. Although Ulquiorra might actually consider the thought to sonido away if he to make any lewd comments about her as he didn't want his always free mind to become swarming with vulgar scenarios, no thank you.

"She's a damn weakling though...but doable." he commented as Ulquiorra tightened his fists in his pocket. Must his mind always drift to that? he wondered.

"You know, if you want, you could always hand her over to me. I have much better tactical ways of fighting I can teach her if you-"

"Get out of my sight Nnoitra." he ordered in a warning tone, his patience cut short. His face was still as blank ever as he came to a stop, not looking back to the insane Espada. "Your reflection towards the woman is unbecoming. If you have such thought towards her then I advise you do what pleases you...do not bother me." he retorted immediately using sonido to dash away, shutting the mad man up.

He didn't care what Nnoitra did to Serelah. She was his subordinate but not his responsibilty, if Nnoitra should ever do anything like that, he wouldn't even bat an eyelash. He just didn't want Nnoitra sharing his twisted fantasies to him.

For now, he needed to complete the mission successfully without any distractions and problems...and maybe warn his subordinate to avoid a particular person.

Serelah had just finished doing all her duties. She had done a training of an hour as she planned and immediately set for a bath like she prepared.

She wouldn't want to stench of sweat and blood, it would be repulsive. If she did, she was sure Ulquiorra would say something of it which would be embarrassing. She could tell he wasn't a messy person, so she wouldn't want to make herself look like one.

After she had done the needful, she immediately made her way to the outside doors where Ulquiorra would most probably be waiting. She hadn't done anything that would make him angry or annoyed with her...and she wouldn't want a first time.

Sauntering through the hallways, she still felt traces of his spiritual pressure lingering in the hallways which confirms the fact he left not too long after.

Using sonido to charge through the hallways, she had quickly arrived at her destination immediately spotting Ulquiorra's spiritual pressure strongly as she advanced closer to the entree. Leaving the dome and walls of Las Noches, she let the cool air dance across her face as she felt a rather nostalgic feeling. Being indoors all day was enough to make a hollow bored enough, she actually prefered eating on souls and hollows than sitting around in her quarters being idle. Going on a mission would be the perfect way to get her mind off things and use her abilities...and maybe get to peek at Ulquiorra's.

She closed her eyes as the wind howled violently against her, the breeze refreshing.

"Are you done standing there?" she heard a familiar voice interrupt her thoughts. She flinched, immediately recognizing the tone as she turned back to find him standing idly behind her, hands in his pocket as he observed her. She gulped quietly, not expecting to see him there.

"You've been staring at nothing for some time now or..." after stopping a few feet from her, cocks his head slightly. "Drifting off it seems." he commented as Serelah could only stare at his scrutiny.

"W-was I late?" she stuttered as she cringed inwardly at the outcome of her voice. He blinked before walking past her, strolling off. She frowned briefly before turning around to follow him, not understanding his behavior. She thought he would ignore her as she didn't expect his brief reply.

"On the contrary, you arrived quite early." he replied as he continued walking off, clearing further away from Las Noches.

"Great." she muttered, staring at the sands as they progressed further. This would probably be a good time to ask the purpose of their mission. Although she didn't know exactly how to, considering he could decide to still ignore her question, that was if he was still mad at her foolishness though.

"We are to kill a certain hollow." he stated shortly as if reading her thoughts. She immediately snapped her head up, confused by his statement.

"Which-" her words were cut short as the pallid man had suddenly disappeared from her sight stunning her completely before her brain realized he had used sonido. She immediately did the same, catching to him, not wanting to lack behind.

She figured he would probably elaborate on the details afterwards as he obviously wasn't in a mood to talk. So be it, then. She at least knew what they planned to do. She hoped it wasn't a powerful hollow as she knew even the extent of her abilities. She wasn't a very powerful Adjuchas so she didn't want Aizen to expect much from her.

Perhaps Ulquiorra expected her to stay and watch how he'd combat in battle to help her pitiful swordsmanship.

She still didn't understand why Aizen saw the need to kill a hollow though. To what she knew, she was aware Aizen was the strongest being in Hueco Mundo who led the most powerful arrancars. So if there was a powerful hollow, why kill it? Would he not want to recruit the hollow so it could be of use for his plans. It only confused her. She would try to find the answer to that later as the spiritual pressure she felt was not close to miniature one bit. She pushed all her thoughts to the back of her mind, not wanting Ulquiorra to discipline her again for spacing out.

They were getting closer, but not close enough. If she was correct, it would take approximately an hour to reach the hollow. Mean time, she would use her pesquisa to locate the hollow as she figured Ulquiorra was most likely doing the same...if he had the ability.

This would be her perfect chance to show she wasn't useless completely and show off her abilities.

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And there! Were done with chap 4. I told you I'd make the chapters longer, so here's one. I don't wanna rush to the cute parts just yet, creating some insight on Serelah's power would be the perfect beginning, theeen we move to the drama. Since I took a little long to update, I wanted to make a really long chapter and I'm thinking of making the other chapters just as long. Pls, don't hesitate to review on my story, they go a long way and gives me motivation to continue, you can also say things I'm not doing right and I'll fix it. ;)

Bye!