Hey readers, I'm thinking of changing the Pov of the story to both sides so instead of always reading of what Serelah thinks, you could get a glimpse of Ulquiorra's too so it won't be too one-sided. Don't panic, the change won't be too different. Don't forget to review, i'll make sure to acknowledge every one. Enjoy!

Chapter 5

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~~A Great Deal~~

They had now reached the vicinity of their prey, spiritual pressure recognizable. She had used her pesquisa to locate the hollow which was detected in the part of Hueco Mundo with massive amount of hollows. Judging by mostly Ulquiorra's spiritual pressure, the hollows did not torment nor bother them, in fact they had deserted away in fear. Although some were unmindful and insensible, they weren't completely negligent to the fact there were powerful hollows around. Whereas she wasn't a very strong hollow, she was still strong enough to at least finish off the wimpy ones around her.

Ulquiorra had ordered her to suppress her spiritual pressure, saying it would chase away the hollow they sought to find which wasn't what they wanted. She learned that the hollow in question was an adjuchas-class menos with various abilities but with one specifically known as it's Great Spit which Ulquiorra had warned her to beware of. She would be lying if she said she wasn't excited, It would be satisfying to finally use her sword on an actual opponent rather than always seeming like some novice during training with Ulquiorra. She didn't know if it was just her but he seemed to make her look so bad at everything, he had incredible speed, spectacular observation skills and possessed great finesse when handling a sword. He was too...perfect.

Aware of her never ending stare, he glanced to her making the woman immediately avert her gaze the next direction, her attention now seemingly fixed intently on the gloomy sky. They were miles away from Las Noches so the obviously fake blue sky could only be shown to an extent.

He didn't see why she always managed to get distracted so easily...too easily. He had noticed her stare for sometime which confirmed the fact she was deep in thought on something. That would be costly during a battle, the enemy could easily use such trait to an advantage and finish her off if she wasn't careful. He noticed she now gazed at the sky keenly as if trying to eliminate the fact he had caught her gawking at him for some reason he would never know.

Brushing off the trivial thought, he returned his attention toward the mission at hand as he awaited the hollow. The monster knew they expected it's presence. Why else would they be so near it? If he could remember correctly, it had abilities similar to that of an animal in the human world - concealing coloration along with a very sharp ability to sense things around itself. It had an amount of intellectual control of it's brain to some degree, but he was certain a random hollow was incapable of outsmarting him. He wasn't boasting, but was certain of the fact.

Aizen had ordered him to kill the hollow seeing as it refused hardly to succumb to Aizen and become a part of his project which was illogical on Ulquiorra's part. He valued his life to some extent and wouldn't reject the enticing offer Aizen had probably proposed to the hollow if he were in it's state. Aizen had not finished off the hollow then, mainly because he thought it would have the sense to return to Aizen and finalize it's decision on enrollling into his army.

But it seemed the adjuchas was quite the stubborn one and highly disliked the idea of serving any other being. He didn't understand how someone would rather die than attain more power and purpose, it was evident idiocy. Even a hollow as daft as Yammy wouldn't make such irrational decision. It was pure foolishness.

Allowing his mind not to dwell on the matter, he focused his attention on the white shell like covering the hollow hid itself in. The hollow was feets away from the two arrancars, but Ulquiorra's sharp orbs refused to miss it. He was sure Serelah had not noticed it, but it's presence alone, judging by it's obvious spiritual pressure. He was certain Serelah probably had the thinking she wouldn't be able to defeat the hollow since she consistently looked down on herself which he wasn't surprised she did considering she was quite weak, but it wasn't all that strong which is why he would allow her take the fight, another way to study her fighting style which was plausible.

"We shall wait for the hollow to arrive here. It's purposely stalling so we attack first." he spoke answering the question Serelah had ringing in her mind. She was wondering why they stood in the same spot, unmoving. She was really tense and aggravated with the whole situation. Having that weird feeling anything could happen at any moment and time. It was sickening. It seemed Ulquiorra was completely rlllaxed and calm about the whole issue-like he knew exactly what he was doing, while she on the other hand was as clueless as anything.

"Why can't we just charge first though?" she questioned curiously, her brows furrowed in confusion. Did Ulquiorra have some sort of plan? She didn't understand what exactly was going on and knew it was her fault for not knowing so. Her fault for not paying enough attention when Aizen had addressed the two of them, she had been so distracted with her silly thoughts and ended up having close to no clue on what they had to complete.

His back still displayed to her stood stiffly before replying. "I tend not to act without thinking. Rushing to things would be foolish. Our prey has a hidden agenda, it is the only reason he hasn't begun to attack. Try something like that and your death will be quick." he briefly explained making the arrancar woman look at him in awe. He surely had great tactical skills and that only added to the list of reasons she should respect him all the more. Her mouth parted as she attempted to ponder further before closing it briefly, thinking on the matter.

"Can you see it?" she asked lowly unsure whether she should've even spoken at all. The Número didn't understand how he even knew the hollow was watching them...she still couldn't see it. She was only aware it was nearby.

"If you were perceptive enough, you would be able to. It's not that discreet." he insulted making the woman look down for a moment as she clamped her lips tightly, feeling a little ashamed for not being observant enough. She had only been able to sense it's spiritual energy, but she couldn't see any trace of it. She tip-toed as she attempted to see beyond what she could reason but to no avail. She sighed as her eyes still hadn't caught the monster or any thing out of the ordinary in the area. Eitherways, it wouldn't make sense to dwell on the matter, she should probably just have a reminder to work on her perceptive skills more so she could put it to use at the right moments...like this.

Having Ulquiorra being smart all the time only made her appear stupid. She would try to at least speak out more, rather than look like some useless tool.

"Get ready, it's preparing to strike." his smooth voice spoke to her as she shifted slightly, her breath uneasy. She was excited in the beginning but for some reason, aware of the fact she was really going to face the hollow unsettled her as she didn't know what to expect. She was shifting nervously as she could indeed sense it's spiritual pressure thicken immensely. Ulquiorra turned to her as he took in her uneasy state.

"Relax woman. It's not as life threatening as you may think. If you continue behaving this way, the hollow would only use your coyness to an advantage...do not fret." he reprimanded as Serelah could only stare at his ever distant emerald irises. She looked down as she thought over his comment. He was assuring her! He was brushing off any doubts and negative thoughts she had on herself. His statement wasn't supposed to mean much, but it did coming from...him. Perhaps it was his acute and smart persona that gave her the wave of motivation she felt at the moment. She believed that him saying an opponent wasn't strong meant a lot mainly because whatever he thought and said always somehow found a way to be precise and exact which only ignited the earlier excitement she felt for battling the hollow. Although she had to admit that she didn't expect any encouragement...especially from him.

"Lord Aizen ordered me to bring you along also ensuring you return alive. If you so happen to foolishly cause your death, he will not be too pleased with me. I'd be glad if you make my job easier rather than complicating things further." he finished as the Espada looked forward, not ready to reply to any of her unsaid comments.

She closed her eyes as she bit her lip tightly, understanding the situation. He had only told her not to fear, cause it would make the battle easier and risk the chances of her dying which would not please Aizen. Not vice-versa. He didn't actually care for her safety the way a master would. Now that she thought about it, she felt somehow silly for even thinking he could care for her from that light. He wasn't really fond of her as a subordinate, what made her think he could ensure her safety as her master? That would certainly take time - to acquire his trust and his will to at least stand up for her.

"I-I understand. My apologies my lord." she pled as she bent her head downwards feeling abashed for her act of cowardness.

"Apologies are not needed now, woman. Instead I advice you focus on the situation at hand. Lord Aizen wouldn't want any unwanted casualty if it can be avoided with caution...do not dissapoint him." he finished, walking past the shocked lady, not sparing a glance.

He had handed her the role. She was supposed to face the hollow and he would just watch idly most probably analyzing her abilities silently. It was all too much for her to take in. She had thought he would most likely do more of the fighting while she'd chip in when she was most needed. That was why she had felt frenzied in the beginning - the prospect of having her and Ulquiorra both battle the hollow in unison while she could discern a few skills and points from his way of fighting...but she was all too wrong. Now that she put more thought into it, if he really wanted to battle an opponent, he didn't seem the type to welcome a helping hand if she offered or anyone exactly.

She risked a glance to peek at his expression from behind, immediately regretting the action as he watched her rather boredly as if quietly telling her to focus. She gulped as she faced forward, proceeding to get the dreadful battle over with. She didn't need Ulquiorra to tell her once again that the hollow was ready to strike. She could feel the unusual increase in it's spiritual pressure, almost like the beast wanted to spiral out of control leaving her a bit skeptical of the hollow if it was indeed an Adjuchas class menos.

She could now perfectly see the shell Ulquiorra had been trying to help her perceive cracking in small pieces as if eradicating slowly. She figured the shell was some kind of energy concealer which aided the hollow in masking it's energy subtly. She watched as the onyx coloured hollow emerged from it's covering, stretching out it's strangely scrawny legs that was highly unproportionate with it's rather broad and wide torso which was physically well structured. She guessed it would have incredibly hardened skin also known - hierro. As she couldn't imagine how a simple slash from her sword would be able to cut through it's rugged skin.

But deep down at the back of her mind, she knew Ulquiorra wouldn't let her die since Aizen wouldn't want her to decease just yet. She concluded that in time, Ulquiorra would probably have the right over her life and decide whether or not she would live or not. Until then, she would make sure she appeared as a humble yielding and worth keeping subordinate. She didn't want him to perceive her as a fraccion he couldn't wait to get rid of or off his shoulders. Not that she cared what he thought about her, appearing useless and dependant was a very rare attribute in hollows and wasn't a very proud one to say. Serelah was someone who liked if not enjoyed fighting but wouldn't exactly show it unlike the nuisance they call Grimmjow.

She quietly examined the hollow, activating her pesquisa to judge it's energy stability. It was radiant and in perfect good shape. She guessed the hollow probably hadn't found a worthy opponent to trouble in quite some time which was wack considering there were many hollows in Hueco Mundo, she could bet it wasn't the strongest so it must have died quite a while ago if it was around the mist of hollows.

She sighed as she tried not to bother herself with the hollow's matters instead trying to end it's existence. It stalked over rather slowly, the loud steps of it's overgrown feet being the only thing heard in the quiet sands. Head highly raised, her lips set in a hard thin line, she reached for her sword slowly, watchfully staring at the hollow, her amber eyes challenging. She had noticed Ulquiorra's spiritual energy was a bit farther than she remembered. Perhaps he had chosen a more discreet angle to view the battle. She didn't bother trying to trace it as the hollow was dangerously near, maybe not right in front of her but close enough to duel.

She had opened her mouth to speak when the hollow made a rather unearthly scream...extremely hollow like. Almost seeming like it was howling in pain and anger, it's yell quite demonic.

She wasn't particularly scared, rather amused. It didn't look like any usual hollow, she was certain. It obtained white long claws similar to that of it's feet along with an abnormal looking droopy nose that looked strangely of an elephant's, nostrils widely flared. The rest of it's body was rather well toned and it's skin was just like the rest of the hollows she was used to seeing around - black. It's steely vermillion eyes bored into her, albeit she didn't show fear or fright at it's appearance as she wasn't fazed at all.

She had encountered all sorts and types of hollows throughout her existence. A mere intimidating looking hollow wouldn't make her back down so easily. She would only retreat from one when it was obvious the hollow was far stronger than her. She was bold but practical. If Ulquiorra had trusted her to eliminate the hollow, it meant even he knew she was capable of doing so...she thought. Although it's spiritual pressure was fairly corresponding with her's, she concluded that she should be able to at least try.

Fully retracting her sword from her sash, she carefully stepped forward slowly. Her face betraying no emotion as the lengthy sword traced the ivory sands. She stood some feet from the beast as she suddenly held it towards the hollow daring the being to attack first.

Not wasting any time, it clawed at her chest earning a gasp from the lady as she immediately jumped out of reach for the hollow to attack. Her now white top, stained with her blood as her chest had been dabbed by the aggressive beast rather too speedily. She hadn't expected it to be so fast, and it's blows...she was certain would leave fatal injuries, if she didn't leap out early enough, her chest would've been ripped off out of her.

Serelah stared down at her chest, the wide cut right below her significant hollow hole. She glared daggers at the monster, her teeth gritted in apparent fury and irritation. She didn't posses regenerative powers so the deep cut may take some time to heal ormay leave unwanted scars she never welcomed in the first place. She probably wouldn't be as infuriated if she could heal it back within seconds, but considering the fact she'd have to tender to countless wounds that may leave unnecessary scars afterwards made her want to decapitate the hollow bitterly.

"Having fun?" she seethed, her face gracing a bitter smile as she quickly appeared at the hollow, slashing it's arm off swiftly with the aid of her sword. It didn't seem too surprised with her move, the cleaved arm now replacing itself easily leaving Serelah quite shocked as her eyes widened a fraction, her mind taking the information.

High-speed Regeneration? She thought in disbelief. She found it quite easy to remove it's arm which also confirmed the fact it didn't obtain hierro, but having regenerative abilities would be of highly good advantage to the hollow leaving her quite unlucky at the same time rendering her life more fatal. How was she supposed to kill the hollow as fast as possible?

This time, she was able to witness the hollow's speed as she watched it's movement intently, not allowing herself another blow from the dreadful beast. It made an accurate aim for her jaw allowing the anxious woman dodge the attack easily, earning a kick in it's chin in the process. Smirking for the first time she arrived here, she boldly although riskily leapt forward to attack her prey, ending up flown backwards as the hollow's enormous fingers smacked her away, her body now roughly thrown against the sands. It seemed it had a strong intent to kill and was fairly aware she had the same. She wondered if it realized she was in fact ordered from Aizen himself considering they were similarly clad in the same outfit.

She felt her cheek sting greatly from the strike but ignored the feeling. She'd just have to make sure it didn't get hit countlessly at the same spot.

Not giving up any time soon, Serelah fearlessly sonidoed onto the hollow upfront, slicing it's nose off with ease before returning to her earlier position - a few metres away from the giant. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she observed the hollow, the beast staring wide eyed at her, clearly astonished before screaming the unpleasant screech known to the hollow, the powerful breath sweeping her hair away. She didn't understand why it was mad she sliced it's nose off. She had removed it's arm earlier and it was easily regenerated...did the nose serve a specific function?

It's already long claws elongated itself, startling Serelah lightly, her unemotional façade slowly wearing off as the infuriated hollow was no longer in sight. This only made her what she would call...scared? She couldn't even feel an ounce of it's spiritual pressure, it was untraceable which was odd. Such ability-

Her thoughts had been cut short as she felt a sudden sharp cut at her cheek once again...then her chest...then her stomach along side a deep gash on her thigh making the woman gasp in surprise, taking all the swarming attacks at once, her body screaming in pain and agony. Those claws were the hollow's main defense and attack moves. She could barely budge as her mind still struggled to register the state she was in. She took note of the nose she had apparently sliced off earlier slowly regenerating halfway through as if taking it's absolute time needed, it seemed the nose varied from every part of the hollow's body parts and perhaps took...longer to heal? Was her assumption the reason it had been outraged for severing it's nose? The possibility of probably finishing off it's existence before his body had the time to heal?

What actually confused her was what exactly the function and purpose of it's nose was. She was certain it wasn't ordinary or odd looking for nothing, it had an ability and she would find out. Her limp body now pathetically layed helplessly on the sands as her mind searched for ways to get herself out of her pitiful position. She was currently bleeding profusely, her white garment now brightly carmine stained with her blood as the neon haired lady watched the hungry beast stride further to her company allowing the woman gasp in surprise at the dreadful outcome of the situation. The demonic beast, having got what he wanted with her, picked her body upwards with it's ever frightening paws, the dark rugged fingers hugging her frame. She watched in horror as the cruel beast eyed her frame hungrily making her cringe in disgust. The famished hollow dug it's head closer to her face as it licked her cheek rather slowly for a moment, the saliva stinging her wound before it's head rested on her neck for a while. The hairs on her skin had stood tall and erect as her brain was completely clueless to what act the hollow would perform next. The proximity of the hollow against her trembling body too near for her to cope. She wished Ulquiorra would once and for all end the hollow's existence. What was she to do now? Her eyes widening at a realization. She twisted her arm slightly to angle a better aim at the hollow's abdomen as she gathered her energy into her finger, summoning a bala directly, her eyes shut tightly in anticipation.

Unbeknownst to the arrancar, the hollow had been aware of her endeavors and without warning, bit fiercely into her delicate skin earning a painful scream from the captive woman. It was why it had held her in the first place. It wanted to...devour her entirely. It bit deeper into her skin as she screamed in agony, it's hard teeth enjoying the feeling of her skin. Her head suddenly felt dizzy for a reason she didn't understand and her body could sense a type of liquid seeping through her system almost like poison. She gasped as she realized what was happening. Withdrawing it's salivary mouth from the crane of her neck, she let out a breath she didn't realize she held in as the monster lifted a hand to once again dab at her gut before the hollow fell lifeless to the ground earning another gasp from the now free woman.

She roughly fell onto the sands as her eyes still dazed and dilated from the poison the hollow had infused into her.

She still didn't know or understand how the hollow had been killed, beheaded even! Her silent question had been answered as her eyes lazily fell upon Ulquiorra as he stood afar, easily replacing his sword in it's sheath before his gaze fell upon her state.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. The hollow she had tried so hard to even get close to, he had killed it with ease. He had most likely intervened when he could sense her death nearing which was indeed true. If the hollow had had success with it's stab, she would most certainly be dead right now.

She watched as Ulquiorra calmy took his time strolling towards her figure as his scrutinized gaze never left her's, leaving the woman unsettled. Realizing she had been gawking at the Espada, she blinked quickly as she nervously looked away, moving her body to sit upwards resulting in the jerking pain she felt from earlier returning back much worse. She sat awkwardly on her butt as her body remained stiff to prevent the racking pain from dwelling any longer.

She still didn't know how the poison deeply ingrained in her system would leave though. It was weakening her insides bit by bit, and she was sure she'd pass out anytime soon.

Ulquiorra watched as she made a foolish attempt to adjust her position only worsening her predicament. He observed keenly while he searched thoroughly where the hollow had infused it's poison into her. The hollow had bit her on her throat quite intensely, he noticed. He was aware of the dark venom the hollow brought across it's trap along with the help of it's nose which seemed obviously essential to the hollow, that also explained why it retaliated when Serelah had severed it mercilessly. He had been observing the battle from the corner, judging the rise and fall of her spiritual pressure, comparing it to that of the sable beast. In his perspective, it seemed the hollow had long captured victory from the beginning.

To be honest, he was sure Serelah would not be able to last too long against the hollow. He had simply wanted to examine her abilities and got what he needed to see. Although he didn't expect her condition to be this fatal in the beginning. When he had heard her cry, he knew it was his call to finish off the hollow finally. Aizen wouldn't be too pleased if he'd let her die carelessly without much of an effort, that was the only reason he had saved her. Aizen's orders came before anything else, including himself.

Kneeling down on his right knee opposite his fraccion, he noticed the woman had decided to engage in no form of eye contact with him as she stared intensely at the ground before her, body too stiff to move.

"Woman." he spoke earning a brief glance from the said lady.

"Y-yes my lord?" her trembling voice replied. She didn't know what he expected of her to do now, the mission had been completed and she obviously didn't have the strength to even move a muscle in her state. If he was going to lift her...

Shaking her head as she dismissed the thought, the Violet haired lady hid her head downwards as to prevent the pallid man from witnessing her rose tainted cheeks.

Confused by her action, he proceeded to confront her further.

"Why did you act so recklessly." he asked, his tone flat.

This time, she had snapped her head to his, eyes locked as she tried to puzzle out his expression.

"I didn't know I did, I mean..." she trailed off suddenly as she shook her head once again to gather her thoughts in order. "The hollow had been much faster and stronger than me so I wasn't able to smoothly counter it's moves. I...why did you let me..." she hadn't needed to continue her sentence as Ulquiorra knew just what she wanted to say. Why then? Why had he given her the hopes of her winning in the first place? Saying the hollow wasn't all too strong for her to fear! Had he just lied to her? For what reason she did not understand.

"I had only tried to encourage you to know whether you would even try to fight or not. If I told you the true strength of the hollow, it would only make you afraid and cower away, whereas I wouldn't be able to study your abilities as I did." he explained, earning a subtle nod from the lady. Cocking his head slightly, he continued.

"Although I find your course of fighting to be hardly impressive." he commented as Serelah could only stare at her tightly closed hands intently. Of course, she was still terrible at swords, that, she couldn't deny. She was only talented in her martial arts base, but that wouldn't exactly come in handy at that battle. The hollow she had fought could easily severe her limbs, something as minor as a punch or kick wouldn't really get the result she wanted from the hollow. She indeed possessed average super strength as a hollow but that wouldn't have been critical enough to kill it.

According to what Ulquiorra had said, he purposely eliminated any doubts she had earlier at killing the hollow to examine her fighting skills, which he got but turned out quite dissapointed with the outcome.

Incognizant to when Ulquiorra had retrieved the sharp object he held in his hand, Serelah shifted a little further from him as she stared down the injection he held firmly in his hand, unaware of the utility.

"Relax woman." he ordered sternly, staring at her state with no trace of emotion. She hesitated at first before breathing out, relief evident. Gazing at her neck, where the hollow had dug it's teeth through, he carefully injected the syringe at the part with ease as the tanned lady bit her lip tightly, her neck stinging with pain. The feeling like acid swimming through her veins. Releasing a breath steadily, she closed her eyes as she allowed the calming sensation to disperse through her entire body. Suprisingly, the anidote, if she was correct numbed the excruciating pain she had felt from before. The liquid was gradually calming her nerves, her heightened blood pressure now seemingly more stable than earlier. Relishing the feeling, she reclined her head back on the sands, her amethyst hair splayed out wildly as she slowly drifted off to slumber.

Unknown to the lady, Ulquiorra had keenly watched her expressions in amusement before blinking away, standing up as he placed his hands in his pocket, his mind trying to reason how to accompany the girl before him.

He wasn't sure how long it would take before she awoke more or less fully recovered and he most certainly didn't like the idea of standing about idly, appearing as her servant. He wasn't jobless and had things to do. He needed to report to Aizen on the success of the mission along with updates on Serelah's progress. Although he wasn't sure how to tell him she hadn't made any much progress from before. He would probably just tell him her progress was still stagnant while he'd continue to keep an eye on her training, that would be acceptable to Aizen.

Glancing at her sleeping frame, he lowered himself once again, although hesitantly picked her lightly with ease. Her light muscles aiding him further. He found her strangely light as she wasn't exactly heavy to hold. Gazing downwards at her feminine features as she slept quietly, he knew he would never witness that expression again. In which, he didn't really long to see it, he couldn't help but compare it to the always hard and straight face which he knew, she tried to put on.

He would have to make sure she returned to her chambers before she awoke to realize he was holding her which would result to an unnecessary protest he wouldn't want to harken.

Assuming Aizen hadn't required of him to ensure she didn't die, he would've left her to bleed to death as he wouldn't have gone as far to create a cure in the first place. It was out of him.

Dismissing his thoughts, he vacated the area rather quickly, eager to leave the desolute zone as the Quatro sonidoed forward, not wanting to waste any more time.

Serelah flinched in annoyance before the arrancar realized she had dabbed her wounds rather too deeply. She had been unconscious for a while now, although wasn't sure how long, she was certain it hadn't been just an hour or so since she had passed out. She had woken up to the feeling of her wounds being stitched up which wasn't quite the pleasant feeling. Her muscles had felt quite stiff for a reason she didn't understand considering she had felt pleasant when the injection had been infused in her. Perhaps this was the effect of the liquid, slowly performing it's requirements.

The creaking of the rigid door opening had stolen the attention of the arrancar women as they keenly stared at the dark figure that arrived into the capacity. The earlier chattering servants now expectedly silent as they advanced from the afflicted woman to greet the ivory colored man, bowing respectively which they earned a subtle nod in approval.

"Get to work." he ordered, the two servants immediately rushing to Serelah's side, continuing their work. Serelah's head turned sideways to look at the pallid man as he observed her quietly. For what reason he was here, she was clueless although she didn't really know how to question his presence as that would most probably come out rude which wasn't her goal.

"Greetings my lord." she croaked out, her voice coming out raspy as she spoke. No reply was given, which was expected, he wasn't the type to respond to everything, she had already concluded that and thought nothing of it.

Returning her gaze forward, she let out a breath, her fatigue still evident. Her head still felt quite dizzy from the fight she got engaged in. She watched quietly as they carefully tended to her wounds, the atmosphere rather awkward due to the intimaditating presence owned to the Espada.

Ulquiorra had stayed to watch them care for her injuries, mainly to see if they were doing the job right, he knew the servants often sat and gossiped about irrelevant issues, not paying enough attention to what they really needed to do which was quite irritating. He had come here to inform her on what Aizen had told him, though he expected the arrancars to be done with their job already by the time he arrived. Her cuts and bruises would heal eventually, he was sure of it. She wasn't as sensitive as a human, a couple of injuries shouldn't be so vital.

Through with their work, the servants stood on accord, bowing respectively once again before scurrying out of the dreadful vacancy. Blinking as as he dismissed the arrancars, he noticed the injured woman stir in an attempt to sit upwards, her features lacing with pain and struggle.

"Do not move." he ordered, the lady freezing in response.

"But-"

"Do as I say. Don't make me repeat myself." he spoke as the said woman, although slowly immediately returned to her earlier position. His tone gave the idea he wasn't in his best of moods so she didn't want to do anything that would provoke him easily.

The stoic male walked opposite her as he leaned against the wall rigidly, not sparing her a glance as he spoke.

"Aizen has ordered me to take our training to the next stage...I am to make our sessions much more intensive so we can see visible progress on your abilities." he explained briefly before glancing at her to continue.

"Therefore, after the next training we have, we'll undergo the rest out of Las Noches." he finished briefly as he advanced to the entrance, the whole elaboration still lagging in Serelah's mind, pondering over her head, unable to fully understand the situation before she allowed an involuntary gasp escape her lips at the realization.

"Wait!" she called to the leaving man as he stopped in his tracks, back still faced towards her. Swallowing nervously, she continued.

"Y-you mean...we won't practice around... Las Noches's vicinity anymore?" she questioned, her voice raising an octave.

"Correctly." he responded as he shrugged, not seeing anything wrong with the fact.

Her eyes widened for a moment before she cleared her throat in nervousness, her toes curling.

"Why?" she pryed, her curiousity evident. He looked to her this time, noticing the unease in her voice.

"Are you afraid?" he questioned, ignoring her question. She didn't quite know the answer to that. She was tensed up because she knew it meant something dangerous if they travelled beyond Las Noches. She couldn't pinpoint what exactly, but was aware it didn't mean anything good. It could either mean two things - she would witness something scary or the trainings this time around would be seriously brutal. She'd still prefer the latter though.

"No! W-why would I be my lord? Is it not to enhance our training?" she replied, her voice hesitant. Reading her, he easily could see through her tough mask she tried to wear on which confused him, he already knew she was terrified already, there was no need to try to pretend, it looked stupid.

"Indeed, so why are you panicking?" he questioned once again, his tone as flat as ever. Realizing she was effortlessly giving off her reaction to the situation, she instantly responded, an attempt to erase the scared act she had just shown.

"I'm not really. I was simply a bit taken aback by the information you gave me. I didn't really think our trainings would get serious so quick." she replied, maintaining a straight tone.

"Me neither, but Lord Aizen desired to do so which means we must do as he wishes and wants. There shouldn't be a problem." he explained. He had noticed the switch up in her behavior but said nothing of it.

"I will try my best to improve and impress Aiz-Lord Aizen." she corrected.

"Hn." he scoffed in reply, turning to leave the room as he advanced to the door. Amber eyes following his movements. The curious female watched as he held the knob before stopping abruptly.

"If you should come across anyone stated Nnoitra, I advice you run." he finished before all too suddenly closing the door behind him, leaving Serelah mystified.

She hadn't heard of the name since she arrived here. The only arrancar she had even come to know was Grimmjow...and they weren't good friends either. If Ulquiorra had warned her of a certain arrancar then it definitely meant the person was bad news. She wished she had a description of the person though, it would make it much more easier to identify the arrancar and flee. She would ask him afterwards...during their training considering they didn't really see eachother except when they had practice or a mission to handle.

She couldn't help but wonder where he always went to afterwards. He was always so straight forward, unmoving and indifferent to everything around him which only made her stay in Las Noches all the more boring. She wished she had someone she could at least tolerate and converse with. Not to mention his dark demeanor that only scared her away from doing such. He wasn't the type to crave for a friend or associate, not when he acted so hostile and apathetic to everything surrounding him.

Moving to sit upright on the bed, aiding her comfortability, she noticed she was brought to her quarters. The room wasn't that recognizable to identify it to someone's as it looked rather plain and quite dull, but her scent still occupied the room along the familiar way she left the room before she had departed for the mission.

She wasn't in her best state after the hollow was delt with. She could vividly recall what had happened before she passed out. She was still seated on the sands at the time while her body felt tremendously weakened. She couldn't have miraculously appeared here unless someone had carried her all the way to the dome...

The self-conscious lady slapped her cheeks as she made an attempt to erase her now Scarlett face at the thought. She needed to stop doing that now, it was silly and much too human of an emotion to express. She was aware they normally expressed the emotion often when they felt either self-conscious or embarrassed at something. It was absurd and unbecoming of her as a hollow. She would never allow Ulquiorra witness such an emotion, he would most likely find it irritating and a complete waste of time which she agreed on too. Hollows were capable of the feeling but rarely ever felt abashed of anything.

Staring down at her now bandaged torso, she wasn't sure how long it would take her wounds to heal. Her uniform was no longer in view as she gazed at herself beneath the white blanket. Huffing in annoyance, her eyes drifted to the desk that stood farthest in the room, finding another pair of her clothing neatly folded. A relieved sigh passing her lips, she decided to head for the bathroom as she was certain she needed one for now. She decided afterwards, she would stroll through Las Noches for a bit until her wounds closed up.

Subsequent to when she's fully recovered, If she could, she would try to get an opponent to spar with in order to relieve her of the boredom she would get sick to.

A good heated shower would be the first way to start.

The Espadas sat quietly, attentively listening to their superior as he spoke on the recent event that transpired. The meeting room booming with Aizen's ever smooth relaxed voice. Dim light only visible to the table where the group sat.

Nnoitra without hiding it had been blatantly glaring over at the Quatro, the fifth clearly exasperated. He was still bothered and felt somewhat unsulted by the way Ulquiorra had shunned him last time. If not for Aizen seated, he wouldn't hesitate to behead the Espada mercilessly. Ulquiorra had noticed this but decided to ignore it. It would be a waste of time to give him a piece of his mind. His attention was fixated on Aizen alone while he explained the mission he had gone through with Serelah, the meeting coming to an end.

"I am glad to hear the success of the mission, as you know, the Grandioso Escupir who has been an enemy of mine for a while now has finally been eliminated." Aizen spoke as his gaze sharpened lightly.

"Those are just the consequences of the mistakes some of these hollows make who dare to defy me." he said, staring at his co-workers all the while sipping his tea. The arrancars weren't stupid not to realize Aizen was indirectly warning them. They dared not try anything out of the ordinary some day or another. Ulquiorra had thought this advice would fit more of Grimmjow or Nnoitra to heed. He would always be loyal to Aizen and he didn't need anyone to tell him. His safety and orders came before anything else. Grimmjow on the other hand would often dare contradict Aizen's rules and authorities. Nnoitra was just careless and did things without reasoning which was problematic most of the times. Both were aggressive and strangely shared similar traits.

"Seeing as you have all understood my conditions and the reason for this calling, I dismiss the meeting." he said, a wide grin plastered on his lips as he stood up, leaving the meeting room along with his two subordinates.

The rest, having nothing to do lingered for some time, Ulquiorra being the first to vacate his seat as he walked to the main doors, not having anything else to do. The scrawny Espada having other plans in mind immediately appeared face front to the Quatro's, hard glare fixed in place.

"So soon?" the Quinto purred tauntingly, a foolish attempt to provoke the Espada. Ulquiorra not about to waste valuable time entertaining the delinquent ignored him, walking past him to exit. Although, Nnoitra was in no mood for that as he released his lengthy blade demarcating the silent man's path.

"Not so fast..." he seethed, his aggravation seeping in. Ulquiorra frowning slightly at his behavior glared at the nusiance.

"Desist from this nonsense." the fourth spoke subtly irritated. Nnoitra not having what he seeked for, persisted.

"Nobody told me you guys went on a mission." he continued, trying to anger the Espada. Ulquiorra was aware of his goals and feigned calmness, not giving him the satisfaction of seeing his irritation. It was immature and ridiculous. By now the seated Espadas had been quietly watching the scene, eyes entertained.

Nnoitra, removing his scathe from the pale man's view, draped the deadly weapon over his shoulder, grinning widely.

"Along with your 'co-worker'. Pfft, if I had brought along a woman with me, she'd be much more useful for my wishes. It's so sad Aizen had to grant you such a liability." he commented as he stared down the fourth. Ulquiorra not affected by his words, looked blankly.

"Is my fraccion your concern or interest? I don't see why you ponder over such trivial matters. You are foolish." he answered. The Quinto seeing he got a reply, grinned wider.

"You think I concern myself with your matters just cause I want to? You flatter yourself too much Quatro." he spat darkly. Towering over him, his slit eyes shown anger and fury. He wanted to provoke him, he needed a reaction. It always seemed so annoying talking to a brick wall, Ulquiorra had always rewarded him with disdain, which only sparked his rage. All he needed was a fair battle between the two of them, he needed to prove his point. Could he not see it!

"You know exactly why I even bother to approach you." he growled as his spiritual pressure flared slightly. Ulquiorra thought nothing of this and only perceived it as his way of trying to gain a fight which he would never offer unless he crossed his boundaries.

The fifth slowly stepped further.

"Battle, and I'll stop troubling you. I need Aizen to see my worth! Those stupid numbers mean nothing!" he mostly yelled merely earning a purposely slow blink in response from the pallid man. This only enraged him further. Not showing his lividity, he returned to his earlier grin.

"At least I know some useful women somewhere." he commented once again to the man.

"You mean those harlots you call your subordinates?" the fourth retorted.

"Shut up! You know nothing!" the tall man shouted, his fury returning. Ulquiorra was aware of the many women Nnoitra slept with from time to time. He knew those were the only women he could be referring to. He clearly had no self-worth and lacked understanding of things. He was a barbaric male with no sense of decency, it was probably the reason why Aizen had not designated any female to his work yet, and here he was trying to get his pawns on his.

"Tsk, why the commotion my fellow conrades?" Grimmjow stepped in, smirk in place as his hands dipped casually in his pocket. Ulquiorra not liking where this was going, passed by the two irritating males, advancing to the main doors.

"I'll fuckin' show you, bastard!" The fifth yelled behind him. Grimmjow, obviously around to make comments looked to his comrade.

"You've got a problem." he spoke straightly, not caring what Nnoitra's reaction was.

"Nobody asked your fuckin' opinion." he replied lowly as his glare shifted to the turquoise haired male.

"Just stating facts." he shrugged, walking away as he smugly smirked to himself. The Quinto's stare burned at the Sexta's back as he strolled off, Grimmjow aware.

He knew the Fourth and the fifth had some sort of misunderstanding between them that lasted for as long as he could remember, although he always thought Nnoitra was some desperate ass. He wasn't too fond of Ulquiorra either, he just wanted to chip in out of interest. He wondered if Ulquiorra even cared what Nnoitra did to his fraccion. He was an unfeeling wall. Most definitely not caring, he had nothing that intrigued him to that extent. He knew him too well. Ulquiorra had just dragged the conversation to agitate the fifth. It was obvious.

"Dumbass." he mutteres under his breath before opening the large doors into the hallways.

"Let's just see where this goes."

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