IMPORTANT: This is not a new chapter. When I reread this chapter, I found it a little lacking. As such, I just added a little bit at the end to bring this chapter to a more definitive close. Sorry for all those that got their hopes up... I promise I will finish this story!
Thanks for all the reviews! I have not been showing my appreciation lately since I have been more focusing on updating. I want to let you all know that even if I do not say it, I REALLY do appreciate all the reviews, follows, and favorites.
This is another massive chapter. I tried to incorporate ideas that you all suggested.
I hope you enjoy Chapter 27!
-O-
Chapter 27:
The Clueless and the Haunted
Sayuri gawked at the massive white bedroom set before her. Panels of sleek closets composed the entire wall facing the entrance to the opulent chamber. Thick golden silk covered the king size bed at the center, while a crystal chandelier hung above on the arched vaulted ceiling. A single line of vintage yellow fleur-de-lis lined the edges of the porcelain floor, helping to add subtle color to the otherwise virgin blanc setting. The scene epitomized femininity and elegance at its finest and simplest.
"Whose room was this?" she breathed out in awe.
"She had been a superior of mine," he answered.
He felt her curious orbs land on him. "Are you sure she won't mind if I borrow one of her kimonos?"
"I am sure," came his simple reply.
He conveniently excluded the fact that the owner of the room had probably been killed in the Winter War, considering that Karakura Town had not been demolished and the Soul Reapers are still prevalent in the human world. The flower female, he was aware, felt things too deeply. She was sympathetic to many things around her, and should she have experienced a similar event as another unfortunate soul, she would willingly give her empathy and services. She had after all saved and even protected two creatures, himself and the Seis, who were essentially her predators. She had also befriended and were loyal to the two filths up until their betrayal.
She is too kind - too human.
If she were to discover that Number Trés had likely been erased from existence, he undoubtedly knew that she would have felt guilty for not having been there to help.
She may be attempting to erase her vulnerability with training and sword skill, but her humanity, he was sure, will never leave her. It was too ingrained in her persona. She is human. In fact, he could argue that she is the very definition of being human.
Indeed, she is too kind. She is a small white spot in this otherwise pure black world - like the moon in the night. She was purity; she was humanity.
She took a tentative step towards the closets, unsure if she truly was allowed to barge into someone else's room and take their clothes. From her first time in the large dome, she realized that it was empty, save for a few weaker hollows seeking refuse in its emptiness. This place, she deduced, had been Ulquiorra's former home. It would be a lie to state that she was not curious as to what had happened to it, but it felt too personal to ask him such a question. Clumsy as she was, she was not brainless. She knew that the likely reason for such a desolate place existing in a world where the 'strongest survive' mentally was prevalent was death. Everyone had probably been killed off, and any survivors must have simply left.
It had most likely been Soul Reapers who had rendered this fantastical abode obsolete. When it had been said by Ulquiorra that Ichigo had been the one to inflict his injuries, which subsequently killed him, she had been mortified - panicked even. They were both important to her. Imagining the death of one of them at the hands of the other made her feel nauseous. It had likely bothered him to have lost to a Soul Reaper. Indeed, her world felt unbalanced knowing that the man she adored and the man she would consider a best friend had fought each other to the death.
Losing either of them would be a nightmare.
'All that matters is that they are now getting along,' was what she concluded.
This emptiness plaguing Las Noches was just another proof of the antagonistic relationship between hollows and Soul Reapers. She would definitely not ask him about such a topic. It would be too insensitive.
This was his home; Ichigo and Ulquiorra are now somewhat friends. These were all she needed to know.
The wooden door to the floor to length closet groaned as though it was happy to be opened once more. She could only imagine when this room was last used. Dust was begin to infest the opulence of the furniture, as though the emptiness was beginning to set in. Rows of neatly folded clothes occupied one side while soft folds of formal wear hung on the other. Her fingers ran through the material. They were of the finest fabrics, many of them in silk or satin. Whoever she was, she was neat and had exquisite taste.
It came as a shock to her when Ulquiorra had informed her of their visit to Hueco Mundo. It was more surprising when he had reasoned that the kimono she lacked can be borrowed from one of his former acquaintances.
'He must have heard me and Orihime speaking about the Winter Festival,' she had thought.
It is incredibly thoughtful of him to help her in her predicament. Lord knows where she would have found a kimono on her own. She had even planned to simply go to the festival in her normal clothes if it came down to it.
Despite her better judgment, she smiled secretly to herself.
Ulquiorra stood nonchalantly by the door, watching her go through the hangers of dresses and kimonos. Why Harriibel had kept such vast quantities of human attire, he will never know nor did he care. The only aspect about her identity that he had cared to acknowledge was her power.
Finally, he saw her pull out a white kimono with navy floral outlines at the bottom and sleeves. A matching teal obi was hung beside it. Without ever seeing her in it, he knew it would be fitting of the lily woman.
The smile on her face was bright - brighter than it had been in a long while. He had brought her here, not out of kindness, but out of necessity. He did not want to endure having to enter multiple human establishments for her to find a kimono. As the individual who had dragged her to become a part of the conflict between souls and hollows, he had claimed it his duty to ensure her survival. She did carry traces of his spiritual energy, so the humans and the Soul Society would blame him should anything happen to her.
His chest and stomach clenched as she directed her obvious euphoria towards him. However, it was no longer an uneasy ache that he felt; a burning sensation now ran throughout his body. It was not an uncomfortable sensation - just a foreign one. For weeks he had endured her continual avoidance towards him. Now, it appears that everything was returning to normal. It was slow, but she was gradually regaining the shine in her eyes. The lack luster quality of her sapphire jewels, for which he and those two traitors are the source, was lessening.
They soon made it back to the portal in companionable silence. She knew she probably looked foolish as the grin on her lips had rooted to her face. She ignored the ache in her chest and simply reveled at the lightness between she and Ulquiorra. She would still try to suppress her feelings for him, but friendship was still acceptable. He liked Orihime; she did not stand a chance. All of those facts she had already accepted. She merely had to transform her feelings of love to simple feelings of companionship. It was uncertain whether such a thing was possible, but it was all she can do.
A friendship with Ulquiorra would be enough.
As they entered the portal, he sensed numerous hollows in the distance watching them but did not think much of it. He could easily kill all of them.
They were of no threat to him.
-O-
"My lord, what do you want us to do?" a hoarse voice cried.
A conglomerate of hollows roared in excitement. They all wanted blood - wanted power. The only way for them to gain such grand prizes was to kill an Espada.
"Patience," it sneered, "We will win in a matter of time. The game is only beginning."
-O-
Grimmjow greeted them as they exited the portal at the basement of Urahara's shop.
"Didn't think you'd lose me so easily, did you?" the panther teased.
At what was to come, a carmine tinge danced across Sayuri's cheeks. They had come back too soon. It was only a little past noon, which means her date with Grimmjow was just beginning.
"S-Sorry," she sputtered, "I needed to get something."
He smirked at Ulquiorra before returning his attention to the shy female. "It's my turn to have your time now. Orihime told me you needed a kimono. We can go look for one before we head out."
"That is unnecessary," the Cuatro Espada interrupted, "She has already found one."
Icy blue eyes glanced briefly at the white bag she hugged to her chest before a large grin took hold of his lips.
"Perfect. It means we'll have more time for our date."
"I n-never agreed to go on a date with you though," she murmured, her now turbulent jewels cast towards the ground.
Grimmjow sauntered intently towards her, ignoring the glowering and threatening male just behind her. He lifted her chin so she faced him. He noted that her eyes were a clearer and shinier aqua. Her blue depths really did match the ones in his memories.
He grinned. "And I told you to not call it a date then."
"I don't want to go on a date, Grimmjow," she said more sternly.
"Not even if it means getting what you most want?" he retorted, a confident look in his snowy orbs.
Ulquiorra could only stare as a vibrant blush colored the woman's entire face.
When she did not respond quickly enough, the panther offered, "I'll take you home so you can drop off your bag."
Grimmjow wrapped one arm around Sayuri's shoulders to guide her towards the ascending staircase. Not a single step later, Ulquiorra had grabbed onto her wrist.
Surprised and questioning oceanic windows gazed back at him.
"Ulquiorra?"
"Don't you remember, Ulquiorra?" the Number Six taunted, "You have no right to keep her all to yourself."
The Seis Espada met the Cuatro's glaring expression with his own arrogant one, as though daring him to stop them. Just as Ulquiorra opened his mouth, Kisuke arrived and told the Fourth that he needed to discuss a few details regarding his newest order. Knowing that his business with the blonde was urgent, the ashen man wiped the scowling expression on his face and donned his usual blank facade. He willed his grip on Sayuri to be released. He follow Urahara, unfortunately leaving the panicking female with the impudent hollow.
If that feline did not possess the woman's protection, he would have already killed him for his augmenting arrogance.
Another detestable day had begun.
-O-
He looked away sheepishly from Sayuri's questioning and confused stare.
"What are you doing here, Ichigo?"
Then, she set her demanding gaze upon the snickering panther beside her. "Care to explain, Grimmjow?"
The Seis sauntered over to the embarrassed Soul Reaper, casually winding his arms around his shoulders in camaraderie.
"We are officially you're "win-over-that-clueless-bat-because-he-will-not-be-able-to-figure-this-thing-out-on-his-own support team," he stated proudly.
The redness on the orange-haired lad's face only blossomed. Sayuri blinked once before making her way to the mall's exit.
"Leave me out of this," she answered blankly before waving her hand in farewell.
"So you're ok with just letting that dumbass go without even really trying?" Grimmjow's words stopped her.
He knew that the lily child was a pragmatic - albeit emotional as all females tend to be - being. Sure that his reasoning was degrading her refusal and hesitance, he continued, "Are you the type to give up that easily?"
Sayuri knew that he was obviously taunting her. She was not dense. She had promised to let Ulquiorra go and allow him to be happy with Orihime without her interference. She sacrificed her feelings so that he can find happiness with the woman he wants. Though she had made this decision, there had always been a portion of her that wanted to be selfish. Part of her wanted to win him over for herself - for the sake of her own happiness.
She shook her head to rid of such terrible thoughts.
Then, turning to the duo, spoke resolutely, "He finds me repulsive. It's Orihime he's interested in."
Ichigo stood agape at her announcement. "When-"
The blue panther smoothly interrupted his partner's confusion. "Trust me. It's worth it to try."
The black haired maiden turned her body completely towards them after seeing the sincere look in the Espada's normally mischievous facade. To see him sincere and determined fanned the tiny flame of hope in her chest. Grimmjow was never serious. She knew that it must be important and something that he truly believed in if he had such an expression on.
"What about Orihime?"
"This isn't about her. It's about you. Try once," he proposed, "Try once, and if it fails, you are free to give up."
She set her gaze at her feet, cognizant of his words.
Sayuri bit her lip. She did not want to hurt anybody, much less steal the man she loved from a friend. She had already decided to only become a loyal companion to him.
"It's alright to be selfish every once in a while," the feline declared.
Finally, she relented and replied, "Only once."
A wide grin spread across Grimmjow's face. He pulled Sayuri, as well as the still shocked Ichigo, towards a nearby store.
"Let the quest begin!" he chuckled.
Sayuri allowed Grimmjow to lead her.
'Just one more time...' she thought. 'It's not like Ulquiorra would actually choose me over Orihime, but if it makes Grimmjow this happy to see me try, then I will. Besides, he and Ichigo had gone through all this trouble to meet with me anyway. Just one try...'
As they walked, she noted the fleeting but repetitive glances of women towards the two. It was like being in school all over again. Females all have a tendency to throw themselves at them; she found it impressive that they commanded such attention without even trying. They contrasted greatly with herself. She had always stood by the corner, never daring to take the limelight. This one time, she will try to be comfortable taking center stage.
Not a half hour later, Sayuri regretted agreeing to the panther's demands. She should have expected that his ways would not be something agreeable.
Grimmjow called, "Come out Sayuri, or we are coming in!"
Staring at herself in the mirror of her dressing room, she felt as though she was back at Urahara's house putting on that blasted tunic for the first time. Only this time, it was more girly. It was something that a female would wear on a date to impress a guy.
Sighing dejectedly, she opened the door and hesitantly stepped out. Ichigo immediately blushed, while Grimmjow hovered around her, his chin in his hands as though inspecting her like some sort of rare specimen. She donned a black knitted top with a lavender cardigan, flaring thigh-length skirt, and black sandals.
He shook his head up and down once before commenting, "This is a good start. You actually look more presentable, and it makes it look like you aren't trying too hard. Good, but Ichigo's face isn't red enough, so next!"
The Soul Reaper sputtered incoherently at his last sentence.
"You brought Ichigo here to rate my appearance based on how hard he blushes," she deadpanned.
"Obviously. His reaction is a clear indication of how good you look in something." He shrugged as if it was the most simple thing in the world.
Sayuri could not help the giggle that ran past her lips. Leave it to Grimmjow to come up with a creative way of rating her outfits. Then, aware of their questioning glances, apologized. "Sorry. You guys are just... different. Interesting. Humorous."
"I am an Espada. He's a Soul Reaper. Of course we're different," the panther scoffed.
"Is that a bad thing?" Ichigo, ignoring the obnoxious male, spoke.
She shook her head no. "It's good. I like it."
A wide smile graced her face. The euphoric expression made her eyes look glossier. Grimmjow was forced to look away, uncomfortable when her intent jewels focused on him.
The strawberry man grinned, as well. "I'm glad I came. You're already looking better than the last time I saw you," the orange-haired lad admitted.
"Ok, ok. Stop with all this mushy talk," the Seis interrupted with his nose wrinkled, appalled at the direction of the conversation. Then setting his attention to the human female, said, "Get back in there, and put on the next thing."
"Yes, yes," she muttered, a smile playing at her lips.
She realized that this whole escapade was not too bad. In fact, if she were honest, she would think it was a little fun. To spend a day just talking and being with companions was relaxing and comforting. After losing Mai and Hiro, she had felt lonely. Grimmjow and Ichigo relieved that loneliness with their easy-going personality and cozy camaraderie. Ulquiorra is the only individual to ever make her feel whole and giddy, but these two made her feel like she had friends to turn to.
Her mood lifted, and she nearly skipped back to the backrooms. Though the tunic was a terrible choice for battle, Sayuri mentally accepted that Grimmjow provided her with some flattering attire for human dating. However, it would inflate his already enormous ego if she told him aloud.
"Ichigo, why did you decide to help Grimmjow with this whole matchmaking endeavor anyway?" she asked as she changed. "I would have thought that you would've vehemently opposed it."
There was a pause, but she waited patiently as she pulled the leggings over her feet.
"Because it would make you happy. I knew you liked Ulquiorra since the time we camped out," he voiced.
Sayuri blushed in embarrassment at how easily he had read her, but she could not help the curve that grew on her lips either. She had made a mistake of befriending Hiro and Mai. These two men, however, will be people she will never forget or regret.
'I really am blessed with some good friends, aren't I?' she wondered.
She exited the dressing room, a huge smile still dancing across her features at the uplifting revelation.
"Thank you."
Ichigo and Grimmjow knew she meant it from the bottom of her heart.
"So, what do you think?" she asked, looking at them hopefully. She decided that she might as well enjoy the girlish fantasy of dressing up; it was not like she had much choice in the matter anyway, especially with a personality like Grimmjow around.
Due to the intense and radiant blue of her lively spheres, the pale man was forced to avoid direct eye contact with her yet again. He, instead, inspected her like before, and observed Ichigo. The loud howl of amusement that he gave upon looking at the Soul Reaper's reaction was enough to earn them curious glances - along with the usual desirous ones - from the surrounding female majority of the store.
"That is definitely the one," Grimmjow announced.
Ichigo peeled his stare from Sayuri's form, his neck up to the entirety of his face and ears were a bright crimson.
After trying on a few more sets of clothes, they finally completed the first step of their quest. As the cashier checked in each clothing piece, Sayuri felt painfully aware that she would have to spend a decent amount of her Christmas money and savings. She had wanted to save it for emergencies, but she took Grimmjow's words to heart.
'It's ok to be selfish just this once,' she thought to herself.
As she took her wallet out from her purse, Grimmjow and Ichigo beat her to it.
"We will pay," Ichigo stated, already handing the necessary amount to the employee.
"But-"
"It's alright," Grimmjow spoke, "We made some extra money doing some errands for Urahara."
The Soul Reaper added, "Besides, I still owe you a Christmas present."
"It's alright! Really! This is too much-" she started protesting, shaking her head.
Grimmjow patted her head as if to soothe her. "It's ok, you idiot. We're letting you be selfish this one time."
Sayuri bit her lip. She peered at the two tall males, still embarrassed at being treated so kindly.
"Thank you... again."
The tan lad grinned at her. "Anytime."
Grimmjow just rolled his eyes.
The trio exited the store, deciding that it was time to get lunch.
"Wait, I need to get something really quick. Here is some money. Food is my treat today," she grinned brightly at them, leaving no room for argument. "I will meet you guys at the food court."
Earthy and sky orbs watched her run off into the crowd. Surrounded by the festivities and bustling atmosphere of the crowded mall, she embraced the infectious euphoria of the season. Even with Christmas over, the mall was still brimming with shoppers, probably for the sales and New Years preparations. Lights galore lined the rails and ceilings, creating a mirage of floating effervescence. It was exhilarating being part of such a lively group. Everyone looked content as the holiday spirit was still very much in effect.
When she disappeared from view, they made their way to the food stands.
"Now would you care to explain this Orihime and Ulquiorra couple that Sayuri has in her head?" Ichigo said.
Grimmjow kept his gaze ahead. He had been waiting for that question to come. "It's just a complicated 'love triangle,' as you humans call it."
"I knew Orihime is...fond of Ulquiorra. I just didn't know that Ulquiorra reciprocated the feeling." The Soul Reaper struggled to find the correct words.
"I don't know what that clueless nihilist is thinking," the panther commented bitterly. "He may have been one of the smarter Espadas in Aizen's army, but he's useless when it comes to emotions."
"I doubt he even knows that he's caught up in this triangle," Ichigo added.
Grimmjow glanced at his partner then. "That's why I'm repaying the woman by helping her with that stupid bastard. I hadn't expected you to agree to be a part of this. I would have thought that you would have stayed out because of Inoue's interest in Ulquiorra."
They stood in line. Ichigo was silent as he thought of a proper response. After a few more moments, he answered, "She was there this morning when you had asked me to come today, remember? You weren't what I would call tactful."
"Hey bastard, I'm going to go help set up Ulquiorra and Sayuri. You should come along."
Two befuddled expressions from across the dining table met him. Morning breakfast was usually uneventful but comfortable. However, with that comment, Grimmjow had succeeded it making it less than ideal. Thick and tense pressure suddenly appeared out of nowhere and saturated the air.
"Why?" Ichigo managed to ask once the shock wore off.
"Because you can be of use in this project," the hollow stated casually.
Before the teenage male could retort, Orihime murmured, "You should go, Ichigo. Those two deserve something more."
She gave him an encouraging smile. He had known her for a long time; they had been through every sort of crap and hell that anyone can experience in one lifetime and then some. He saw her sadness lying just out of reach behind her chocolate windows.
Still, he knew she wanted him to help the Seis with the odd quest all, from what he could deduced from her appearance, to allow the Cuatro find peace. Whether it was emotionally or physically, he hated seeing his friends hurt.
"She still likes him. It's obvious," Grimmjow pointed out, "I thought that would have been enough to keep you from interfering. I didn't expect you to choose sides."
"I didn't," Ichigo fired back, "Orihime chose the side for me."
"What if Ulquiorra does like Orihime? Would you still try to switch that idiot's affection to Sayuri all the while knowing Orihime is still infatuated with him?"
They reached the front of the line and ordered three sets of the miso meal.
As they stood to the side waiting for their food to be prepared, Ichigo stated, "You might be acting more human, Grimmjow, but you still have much to learn about human emotions."
"I don't have a heart, dumbass. Of course I wouldn't have a good grasp on all that 'understanding feelings' crap,'" the cat grumpily muttered.
"The two whose feelings match will be the two that get together, regardless of interference from you and I," Ichigo continued, ignoring the panther's outburst.
"Then why bother trying to help set Sayuri and Ulquiorra up if you think the effort would be useless?" the other male grumbled.
Both males picked up the two trays that contained their meals.
"I didn't say it would be useless," the Soul Reaper stated. "Us interfering would speed up the process and force Ulquiorra to choose faster."
They made their way to the tables, easily spotting Sayuri's grinning expression.
"I just want this to come to a close quickly. The less time it takes that bastard to choose, the less suffering Sayuri and Orihime would be forced to endure. I want them both to finally have the chance to become happy or have the chance to move on."
"There is no happiness in love," Grimmjow contradicted the tan man offhandedly.
"Those are words that are coming from someone who has never loved," Ichigo easily retorted. Then, as an afterthought, added, "Or someone who has forgotten what it's like to love."
The pale hollow glared at him as they reached the bench. It had been decades, maybe even centuries, since he had descended into a hollow. He once had a heart. As a human, he probably had a family and even friends.
Clear jewels that embodied the morning sky looked at him. There was that final smile that graced kind and gentle lips...
It is just nearly impossible to recall that life after the twisted being he had transformed into. Whatever person he once was is now absent; he is no longer a man. He is now a heartless monster whose main goal is achieve formidable and unchallengeable power. Grimmjow closed his eyes briefly before schooling his features to one of disgust.
"What's wrong?" Sayuri looked at her friends.
"Nothing out of the norm," Grimmojow dismissed, "Just Ichigo acting like his usual bastard self."
The lily woman did not bother to pursue the topic. The two may now live under the same roof and are able to tolerate each other, but arguments occurring between them was nothing to fuss over. Soul Reapers and hollows are natural enemies and is a fact that should not be forgotten.
"Ichigo, why don't you sit with me?" Sayuri offered, "I don't want a battle breaking out between the two of you during lunch."
"Of course you wouldn't, because I would kick Kurosaki's ass," the Sexta stated, almost in triumph.
"Didn't you lose to him..." the Kamiya child murmured while taking her own bowl from the tray. Ichigo had managed to overpower Ulquiorra, the Cuatro Espada. Extrapolating from that, she assumed that the orange haired human would be able to defeat the Seventh.
Grimmjow's eyes widened. "How in the hell do you know that?"
Sayuri grinned mischievously at him. Her guess had been correct. "Ahh, so you did lose to him."
The human male and female stared at Grimmjow's diverse expressions as they shifted from shock to embarrassment. Eventually, his face had metamorphosed into one of pure horror. To add to his chagrin, a pale blush crawled onto his normally snowy cheeks.
"Good job Sayuri," Ichigo breathed, impressed, "That's the first time I've ever seen him so red."
"It's the first time he's been so quiet, too," Sayuri added.
"Shut up," the Seis barked once the reality of his situation sunk in. He dug into his noodles, using the steam to partially shield himself.
Sayuri and Ichigo allowed the subject to drop and began eating their own meals.
As she chewed her food, she scanned the surroundings. Sayuri adored watching the world run. Mothers led bubbly children to a popular toy store. Couples strolled past hand and in hand. Workers patiently stood, aiding customers. It was strange to think that, if she did not have abnormal spiritual energy, she would be just like them. She would never have known about hollows, Soul Reapers, or the struggle between them. Worst of all, she would never have met any of them. That would be the most painful consequence of all. Fortunately, this was not the case.
The entire mall was still decorated with the rouge and vert fashion of the holidays. It made her feel light.
Her eyes suddenly landed on a group of seven high school students giggling in her direction. They were speaking in hushed tones, but they were near enough for her to hear unintelligible murmurs. When they noticed her gaze, their expressions hardened as they whispered among themselves. More giggling, louder than before, erupted.
She scowled at them before returning to her food. They were those types of people: bullies. She detested individuals that stomped on others for amusement. How they are able to live with themselves, she will never understand.
"After we eat," Grimmjow's voiced caused her to end her thoughts, "You will begin practicing."
Sayuri tilted her head in confusion.
The panther gave her a look that clearly expressed his annoyance at her momentarily lapse in intelligence. "Talking to guys. What else?"
The Soul Reaper choked on his food, which was then followed with fits of uncontrollable coughing to clear his blocked airways.
"P-Pardon?" the lily woman stuttered.
"If you can do something as bold as talking to a random stranger, you can talk to that walking ice cube," Grimmjow elaborated.
Sayuri's eyebrows knitted together. "I do talk to Ulquiorra."
"Three sentence conversations do not count."
That immediately caused the Kamiya woman to swallow the words that had bubbled in her throat. Grimmjow was right; she could not argue. Though she had denied it as it happened, it always brightened her mood whenever she had an opportunity to speak with the socially inept hollow. It had not bothered her in the least, nor had she noticed, that their conversations were often short to the point of being nonexistent.
"Ok," she answered in defeat.
Whether her choice was correct or not, it was a necessity to complete such a ludicrous task. Since she could remember, she constantly had difficulty interacting with people. She was an introvert. She did not mind silence; sometimes, she even loved it. However, having the ability to communicate - to connect with people during conversations - is one of the fundamental abilities a person should have. To be a friend that understands Ulquiorra, it is a necessity to be bold and confident. She is not afraid of him, no, but he is difficult to talk to. The air about him advertises that he is someone to be respected and be wary of. If she allows his dominating presence to overwhelm her, she would never know the true Ulquiorra. All she would see and know is the unchanging face that he wears.
Kurosaki's eyes widened at her demure reaction. "You're agreeing to it?"
"Grimmjow, as much as it pains me to say, is right," Sayuri admitted, "I rarely talk to Ulquiorra. And when I do, it is always short. Perhaps one reason as to why that is is because I do get intimidated at the thought of holding a prolonged conversation with him. It also feels as though I am just bothering him. He isn't exactly Mr. Social and Charismatic..."
The Sexta Espada nodded his head repeatedly. "That is exactly why I want you to do this. A relationship cannot be built if you cannot even talk to him. You need a boost of confidence and courage. Don't let that bastard intimidate you. He may feast on souls, but I doubt he would eat you."
"That's the worst pep talk I've ever heard," Ichigo said dryly.
"Shut up," Grimmjow muttered.
He drank his soup and gave a satisfied sigh.
"Damn, your human food tastes nearly as good as souls," he stated. "Now let's go find some poor, unfortunate human that will have to endure listening to Sayuri talk."
The flower child glared at her dating mentor. "What happened to that whole 'boosting your self-confidence' speech? You're blatantly mocking me. I don't know about you, but I would prefer it if you practice what you preach."
"The poor kid that you talk to is the one in charge of your self-confidence." He waved her complaints away as he moved to stand.
However, Grimmjow soon realized that something was wrong. He was stuck. The ridiculousness of such a situation caused his infamous temper to flare.
"What the hell!" he nearly roared when his pants refused to leave his seat as he attempted to leave once more.
His anger only augmented at the sounds of suppressed feminine giggles right in front of me.
"What the hell are you laughing at?" he growled menacingly.
Sayuri's quiet giggles grew to laughter. Ichigo, too, began laughing at the Sexta's obvious irritation and comedic predicament.
"Would the two of you shut the hell up!" he howled, still trying to rise from his position.
"I-I didn't k-know super glue would w-w-work!" the woman managed to say in between her fits.
At her words, Kurosaki fought back chokes of amusement.
Grimmjow halted his struggling as he digested her statement. "You did this!"
The Kamiya female waited for her mirth to subside before replying with a wide and satisfied grin on her face. Grimmjow maintained his accusing gaze even though her eyes had once more grown too bright from delight.
"I promised I would get you back for that ridiculous tunic you blackmailed me into wearing. You didn't think I forgot did you?"
The hollow growled at her. Then, gradually, his frown turned upwards into a confident smirk. "You think this 'super glue' can hold me?" he sneered, "I'm not a weak human."
As he was about to prove his point, Ichigo intervened. "Don't even think about using brute force, Grimmjow. There's too many humans here. It will cause suspicion if you break a metal bench."
The Espada clicked his tongue in exasperation. "What am I supposed to do? Take off my pants?"
Sayuri shrugged, but her face still showed signs of concealed laughter.
Grimmjow glared at them one final time before undoing the button of his jeans.
"You're actually doing it!?" Kurosaki and Kamiya exclaimed simultaneously.
It was the Seis' turn to shrug nonchalantly. "Why not? I'm not ashamed of anything."
With that statement, he slipped himself out of his pants and stood proudly in his underwear. At the sight of his undress, Sayuri's was sent into another fit of uncontainable giggling, while Ichigo paled.
"Y-You wear teddy bear boxers!?" she wheezed out.
The blue-haired male gave her his signature smirk. "These are Ichigo's. I just borrowed them."
The young maiden stop her giggling and turned her attention to the male next to her, causing said man to immediately redden.
"They're, uh, cute, Ichigo." She tried to comfort her embarrassed friend.
The Soul Reaper looked away, muttering, "He likes to steal my clothes."
"I borrow them. I don't have that many human clothing," Grimmjow corrected. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go buy a new pair of pants."
With purposeful and fearless steps, he sauntered to the nearest men's store, a smirk in place. Surely enough, the unordinary scene of a handsome man walking about half naked had resulted in a good portion of the nearby women to openly gawk and inspect him. Many of them blushed profusely, while some, the more daring ones, had the audacity to take pictures as keepsakes of the event. By the expression on the Espada's face, he did not care and seemed to almost welcome the attention.
"That is the most shameless person I have ever met," Ichigo spoke, to which Sayuri merely nodded in agreement.
"I suppose he is qualified to be a teacher for boosting confidence. Who better to teach about confidence than an over-confident man," she pointed out.
Before entering the store, Grimmjow rotated his head around and called to them. "Don't think this lets you off the hook, woman. When I'm done, we're finding you a man!"
Sayuri shrunk at the dozens of curious observers that zeroed in on her. She felt the familiar sting of heat running up her cheeks.
Ichigo chuckled as she recoiled. "That was a pretty good plan you came up with. It's too bad it backfired on us both."
The lily woman groaned at his true comment.
-O-
He entered the large establishment filled with numerous human businesses. He sensed that they were nearby.
His discussion with Urahara had finally concluded, and with nothing else to do, he sought after his mischievous subordinate to ensure he was not endangering their cover as humans. Since the fool was wearing a gigai, he was unable to sense his hidden energy. However, he was able to compensate for the trouble by tracking the woman's spiritual level. It was convenient that she had not yet been taught how to suppress her spiritual energy. The fact that Kurosaki's energy originated from the same direction made the task of locating the feline mere child's play.
He made his way up the ascending stairs as he followed the spiritual "scent." Once he reached the second floor, his observant windows effortlessly discerned her face from the sea of humans.
She was dressed in some sort of outfit that was clearly used to attract a mate. A navy dress, which was fitted at the top and cascaded to her mid thighs, was paired with thigh length black socks. Though she wore a matching black jacket, he knew that for someone prone to illness, she should not be prancing about with such a minute amount clothing.
However, he ignored her current state of under dress due to the company she held. She was with someone. It was not Grimmjow. It was not Ichigo. He felt a growl rise in his throat. It was a stranger. To be more specific, it was a human boy.
He noted the blue and orange hairs of the two males sitting on a bench opposite of the scene, observing the woman and the stranger. His sharp ears detected the sound of the woman's giggling, causing his attention to focus once more on her and it. It, too, joined her laughter with its own.
Again, the unease in his chest resurfaced, only to be replaced with the burning sensation that had been tormenting his body since the night before. He could not determine where exactly it was, but it was there. No amount of feasting on hollow souls alleviated it. It persisted, leaving him with no cure. As he watched the interaction between her and it, he felt the burning begin to flare and spread through the entirety of his body like some monstrous wildfire. It was darker than hate. It felt more dangerous than violence.
He frowned. He glowered. Electricity ran through his fingers - his body's signal to kill.
He took silent but purposeful strides. She laughed again at something that it said. He was unable to hear just what it was; adrenaline had filled his senses.
As he got closer, the sound of its voice drowned out the murderous thumping in his ears.
"We should meet again," it spoke.
The woman looked down at her clasped hands, her face rosy.
Somewhere in the distance, he discerned Grimmjow's voice say, "Shit."
"I-" the woman began to answer.
However, by then, he had reached them.
-O-
Sayuri paused when she saw him take a step backwards. When she lifted her head to look at him, his face looked ill. His expression looked traumatized.
"What's wro-"
His voice interrupted her. "Get lost human."
She spun around only to discover that right behind her, less than two feet away, stood Ulquiorra. His facade was its normal blank and empty expression. However, her sapphire orbs widened at the murderous aura that radiated off his body. He wanted to kill; he desired a life. She knew that the human male, unfortunately, felt it too.
She heard him scurry away without speaking another word.
He stood there glaring at the man's retreating form, and when she no longer heard the receding footsteps, his scowl turned to her.
She could only stare back. She had not expected to run into him, of all people, at the mall.
From her peripheral, she could tell that Grimmjow and Ichigo were sprinting towards them.
"Well, that wasn't how I expected things to end up," the panther commented upon reaching them, though Sayuri was unsure whether he meant it sarcastically or literally.
The whole goal of this so-called project had been to catch Ulquiorra, and that had definitely caught Ulquiorra's attention, albeit not in the way she had wanted. She had not even considered the possibility of actually gaining his attention at all. She had assumed that any efforts she made due to Grimmjow's insistence would be left unnoticed.
Emerald orbs broke the contact with her as they turned to the owner of the raw voice. Still, she stared.
"Would you like to die?"
"Sheesh. Aren't you possessive?" the panther muttered.
"Care to explain the purpose of that nonsensical tryst, you moronic duo," Ulquiorra ordered.
"What did you call us?" the Soul Reaper challenged.
The Cuatro's expression hardened. "Do you have a hearing impairment as well?"
Grimmjow laughed at Ichigo's expense. "He insulted you too, idiot," the orange-haired human pointed out.
Sayuri finally returned to her senses upon hearing the trio bicker. She took several steps back as Grimmjow launched himself at Ulquiorra, probably due to some condescending comment from the latter, only to be held back by Ichigo.
'They're like brothers,' she noted with a smile.
She reveled at the gradually forming friendship between them. Two hollows, a Soul Reaper, and a weak human getting along... It was a miracle all on its own.
However, the lily child was snapped from her thoughts as her ears caught cruel words spoken in hushed tones behind her.
"Slut."
"She has those three handsome guys, and she had the audacity to hit on a fourth one?"
"What do you expect? She's a whore."
Her initial reaction was to freeze, the words stinging her. Then, like a defiant stream of water, her distaste for their unwanted and biased judgment cascaded into an enormous river. She turned her head to glare at them. From their appearance, she recognized them to be the same giggling teenagers that loudly whispered as she ate her lunch. She supposed that to an observer, she was acting like some sort of whore who enjoyed twirling men around her fingers. It was normal for human beings to push each other down based on such negative first impressions. However, she determined that it was still rude - immoral even - to permanently categorize, ostracize, and condemn someone from these first impressions.
The seven girls noticed her furious gaze and scowled back.
"Is there a problem?" one said.
"Clearly. You three must think I'm deaf if you think I can't hear you gossiping so close to me," she stated coldly, turning her head forward once more and walking away towards her rambunctious friends.
"We only gossip about what's true," another stated.
Her steps did not hesitate at their piercing words. "Since when is gossip ever true?" Sayuri spoke the rhetorical question.
"Hey don't walk aw-" a particularly shrilly voice began, but immediately stopped when she realized that they had the attention of the attractive trio.
They were no longer bickering and instead stood protectively in front of Sayuri, as if shielding their female companion from harm.
"Envy sure is an ugly little thing, isn't it?" Grimmjow stated.
His words were enough to quiet the aggressive females. They made a hasty retreat after a final glower aimed at Sayuri's back.
The Kamiya woman then felt muscular arms wrap around her neck, bringing her under a head lock.
"Now that's what I call confidence!" the panther complimented , while proceeding to ruffle her hair.
"S-Stop," she protested as she struggled to break free. "Cut it o-out Grimmjow!"
The ashen man regarded the scene with malice. The cat's barbaric ways are being displayed again without shame. It was in this instance that Orihime found them. It was difficult to miss the ruckus that the panther had created. Her fellow ginger-haired friend saw her first and greeted her with a single nod.
Her expressive eyes absorbed the scene of the lily woman's unfortunate predicament under the rowdy hollow's hold and Ulquiorra's particularly antagonistic look.
"Did something happen?"
Ichigo smiled reassuringly at her. "Nothing that you need to worry about."
The voluptuous woman stared at the still ongoing interaction between Grimmjow and Sayuri. She suddenly found her attention wavering to the glaring Cuatro.
He had yet to acknowledge her arrival.
"Woman, I need to speak with you," he muttered lowly. He was not referring to her.
The panther and the flower stopped their physical argument and looked at him.
Sayuri, finally released from the choke hold, massaged her abused neck. "What is it?"
Ulquiorra answered by making his way to the door.
He did not look at anyone else.
"Um..," Sayuri trailed off. She was unsure of the situation. As she looked at her friends to tell them her goodbyes, she noted Orihime's transfixed attention on the ashen man's retreating figure.
"You should go," she heard the soft voice speak.
"I-I, um..." the Kamiya child stuttered.
Sayuri felt unsure. It would be wrong to leave Orihime behind.
She looked at the beautiful woman's face and saw her pleading look. Orihime was silently begging her. However, Sayuri could not determine what exactly the siren wanted from her or why the siren would insist on her following Ulquiorra.
The blue-eyed female bit her lip. It would be wrong. He belongs with Orihime...
"Go Sayuri," the shorter female ordered.
Reluctantly, she gave her friends a panicked expression before running after Ulquiorra.
Grimmjow smirked. "Finally. An obvious reaction from him."
"Are you sure about this Orihime?" the tanned man questioned.
The ginger-haired female shifted her gaze to the ground. She did not know anymore.
Instead of answering, she deflected, "How is your plan going?"
Grimmjow responded, "It's proceeding smoothly."
The Seis knew that Orihime adored the cold-hearted bastard. Yes, he was grateful to her for her healing abilities. She did restore her arm and healed him. However, after meeting Sayuri, he knew he would always be on her side. Always.
He cannot deny those eyes.
Ichigo, before the atmosphere could grow thick, changed the subject. "So what brings you to the mall?"
"Huh?" Orihime dazedly asked until his words were process by her distracted brain. "Oh, just looking for a hair ornament to pair with my kimono."
"Why don't I go with you?" the tall human offered, "It looks like Grimmjow's project is over for today anyway."
Orihime turned to the hollow for confirmation. "Yeah, yeah. We're done for today. Go have your human shopping adventure," he muttered, disgust and sarcasm dripping his words.
Ichigo and Orihime both watched him as he strolled off.
"Why are you all so drawn to her?" he heard her say softly.
The strawberry lad stayed silent as he thought of her words. It was true. He, Grimmjow, and even the antisocial Ulquiorra were all drawn to Sayuri Kimura. He had even found himself falling for the hollow-prone female. Grimmjow, from his observations, has proven to be quite affectionate towards her. In fact, if the Seis did not give a damn about her, he would not have made it his personal goal to pair the unlikely couple of Sayuri and the Cuatro. Ulquiorra has also shown some level of protectiveness over her.
Sayuri Kimura had attracted both Soul Reapers and hollows to her life. Perhaps it was because she was a magnet for danger. Perhaps this was how it was all meant to be. Perhaps there is another reason for it all. Regardless of any assumptions and variables, the fact is, they had all been drawn to her.
"Why is that Ichigo?" Orihime turned towards him, pleading for an answer.
His shoulders drooped at the lost gleam in her eyes. "I think it's because she's... human. She's normal. We all want to shield her in some way from the dangers we face. We're drawn to her, like moths to a bright flame. We want to protect her."
"I-I always thought that she possessed something that I was missing... At the camping trip, I could tell that you liked her."
Ichigo looked directly in her reddened and panicked windows. It bothered him to know that his friend was lost, partially because he had ignored her. "There's nothing wrong with you Orihime."
"I didn't know what to do. I was so confused, It felt like I was losing both you and... Ulquiorra," she whispered.
"You aren't," he comforted her, his hands on her shoulders, "I don't know about that bastard, but you're stuck with me for life."
-O-
Grimmjow walked to the mall's exit, hands in his pockets. Everything was going according to plan. The heartless bastard was beginning to portray some semblance of emotion.
As the doors slid open, he paused.
There, standing in the middle of the parking lot, was Sayuri. His keen eyesight could see her shaking shoulders even in the foggy weather. His intuition told him that it was not due to the cold.
He approached her soundlessly, his steps cautious as if sound might be enough to break her.
"Woman," he spoke.
The shaking stopped. Her back immediately straightened and tensed at hearing that familiar term. He might not be the most insightful individual, but he was observant enough to know that it bothered her.
"Sayuri," he corrected himself.
He watched patiently as she took several silent, deep breaths to compose herself.
When she whirled herself around to greet him, a smile was plastered on her face. "Hey! Is there something you need?"
Grimmjow did not believe her ploy. His facade remained serious. "What happened?"
Sayuri shook her head, that smile still on. "Nothing at all. He just went home ahead of me."
"What did he say?" the Sexta persisted in his interrogation.
Sayuri stared at the new pair of boots that Ichigo and Grimmjow had bought for her. "Nothing of consequence."
"Like hell it was nothing!" the blue-haired hollow muttered knowingly, "Tell me what he said."
Sayuri bit her lips. Her eyes, now darker than before, squeezed shut as the scenario replayed in her mind.
She stared at his back as he finally halted some ways from the mall entrance.
"Do not consort with that panther anymore," he spoke evenly.
She felt so confused as to why he would drag her in private to speak with her about Grimmjow.
"Grimmjow's my friend, Ulquiorra. I can't just abandon him," she reasoned.
"He is a detrimental influence on you," she heard him say, his tone still blank.
"I'm sorry, but... he's been nothing but helpful to me...Yes, his ways are a bit unorthodox, but-"
"You are actually defending him? Did you not learn your lesson with those two humans you had deemed as your friends? Was that not enough for you? Do you not see how naive you are acting?" he said in the same emotionless voice. "You are cavorting about with human males you know not of. You are dressing like some shameless woman merely seeking attention. You are acting like some human who has abandoned reason and control."
He turned around then. The intensity of his emerald depths were such that it felt like she was under the weight of an angry sun.
"You are metamorphosing into some detestable and devolved creature."
She was nervous. She was scared. She did not want Ulquiorra to hate her, but she did not want to give up friends that are good and kind either. Her hands twisted restlessly in front of her. She had to bite her lip to prevent them from trembling.
"Is it so wrong that I want to become more confident - to feel more assured about myself? Grimmjow is just trying to help me with that. He isn't like Hiro and Mai..." She attempted to defend herself and her mentor.
"You were tricked by those traitors for years with you being none the wiser. How would you be able to differentiate who is your friend and who is your foe?"
She forced her sapphire spheres to make contact with his, ignoring her involuntary flinch upon sight of his fiery jewels.
"I'm only human, Ulquiorra. I make mistakes..." she whispered, sure that he could still hear her, "There will be times when I put my faith in the wrong people. But there will also be times when I put my faith in the correct people. If... If I keep second guessing every move I make, then I will never forge those connections... I will never be able to find someone dear to me, nor will I find someone who holds me dear."
She breathed deeply to steady herself. "If I second guessed myself, I would never have found you and Grimmjow and Ichigo and Orihime."
There was silence. Sayuri could hear her heart pounding a loud and incessant rhythm as she kept her eyes on the male before her.
"Is Grimmjow dear to you?" Ulquiorra asked, his emerald windows more subdued. They were now a glowing green rather than an uncontrollably burning forest.
Sayuri blinked at the odd question. "...Yes. You are -"
He interrupted her before she could finish. "So be it. Continue with your foolishness. Your future is of no concern to me."
"W-Wait you didn't let me fin-"
"Do not speak to me, woman. You have become more irritating than before."
She became silent. Memories of the first time he had called her such a thing cemented back into her mind like some sort of permanent fixture.
He was gone. He was too far from her reach. He was always far from her reach.
She did not know why Ulquiorra and herself cannot see eye to eye. It was as though they were not meant to understand the other.
"He really is an idiot," Grimmjow commented as Sayuri attempted to blink away the tears.
The Sexta hollow deduced that his fellow Espada did not even know that he was acting like a typical jealous male. He had no doubt that the Cuatro had never felt that burning and aching sensation that came with such a strong feeling. It would explain his hostility towards both Sayuri and any man that takes her time. Ulquiorra had become empty; it was the price he had paid during his evolution. He, on the other hand, merely lost his humanity. He became an immoral and unstoppable, power-hungry entity. He had not sacrificed all of his emotions. Ulquiorra had become a void; he, on the contrary, had only become half full. Besides, he could not abandon all of his human emotions even if he had tried. Those eyes had kept him from the void each single time he would start descending into complete and utter madness.
He lifted his right hand and petted her head.
"I guess I underestimated his stupidity. Sor...Sorry. This one is my fault," he struggled to say.
"He... I told you h-he hates me..."
Grimmjow continued to pat her head as her sniffles died down. 'You're an idiot too, Sayuri,' he thought.
"Grimmjow, w-why are you so nice to me?" he heard her whisper.
He froze. The hand that was on her head dropped back to his side.
She stared up at him. "Grimmjow?"
"I-I..."
Those soft spheres flashed in his mind again.
Sayuri tilted her head at his unorthodox speechlessness. She placed her hand on his shoulder. "Friendship isn't one sided. I'm here for you, too."
The caring shine in Sayuri's sapphire jewels caused him to look away. Those orbs can haunt him. It annoyed him that something so gentle can hurt him, an Espada.
He clenched his eyes as the sight of blue filled his mind.
"Grimmjow? What happened? Are you hurt? Do you need anything?" Sayuri fussed, inspecting him to see if he was physically harmed.
"N-No," he answered, looking anywhere but her face. He mentally cursed himself for his stutter.
Black brows drew together in confusion at his actions.
"Just turn around," he ordered her.
"Why?" she wondered incredulously at the odd request.
"Just do it," he growled.
"O-Ok."
He cleared his mind and stared at her dark, unruly locks cascading over neck.
He breathed in and expelled it out forcefully.
"S-She... You..." he stumbled, unsure how to proceed. This was not something he would share with others, but the image of her eyes etching on his mind persuaded him to. He needed to tell someone. He had endured it silently for decades. Now, after all that time, he has faced those same sapphire depths once more. It was maddening.
"You look like her."
Sayuri began to turn back around at his statement, but his firm hold on her arms prevented her from doing so. He told her to remain facing forward until he was done. Sayuri obeyed upon hearing the pleading tone of his normally fearless voice.
"I remember this woman. You have the same shade of blue eyes as her. She keeps haunting me," he began, his voice growing distant with each sentence. "I remember attacking her just after I became a hollow. I remember feeling my chest grow cold. I know I knew her, but I couldn't control my body anymore. An insatiable hunger had taken over. I was lunging towards her, and her face was distorted into the purest form of horror. But her eyes... as scared as she was, I could tell that she knew it was me attacking her... and that she l-loved me regardless."
His voice cracked, and the Kamiya woman heard him inhale to clear his throat.
"As I rushed towards her, she gave me this... smile while saying something that I have never been able to figure out. Then, nothing."
Sayuri felt his arms spin her body around. Still, he did not meet her gaze.
"That's the only memory I have from before I descended into what I am now," he whispered, his gaze fixated on the frozen blacktop as his hands now clenched over her shoulders. "I don't know her name. I don't even know what she was to me."
Lifting his head to meet her azure orbs directly and holding her face between his palms, he spoke, "Worst of all... I-I don't even know if... if I killed her. The look in her eyes... it keeps haunting me." His voice grew softer, whispering the last words.
Sayuri did not speak and simply maintained the eye contact. The way he spoke told her that she had become his connection to the girl he had known. Through her, Grimmjow was trying to apologize to that woman. She knew no amount of words would heal his heart. Thus, she simply listened and waited.
He clenched his eyes shut again, no doubt being forced to relieve his hollow transformation over and over.
Not knowing what else to do, she did the only thing she knew that would provide comfort and show him that it would be alright. She hugged him.
"She did love you," she reaffirmed softly. She knew this must be true. That powerful emotion was the only explanation as to why that woman had managed to survive and thrive in his memories long after he had evolved. He had must loved her too, and probably still does, but kept that fact to herself. It would make more of an impact on him if he discovered it himself.
After all, finding a hollow's heart was not something to take lightly. He must find it himself, or it would be worthless and meaningless.
He tensed at her words and embrace at first, but his muscles gradually relaxed. He held onto her tightly; he held onto that girl that transcended time and continued to be a part of him.
Grimmjow knew.
He will always stay by her side.
Always.
Sayuri envied him. He had found someone he cherished and who cherished him back. Even though they had died years ago, their connection persisted. Grimmjow had forgotten, but the love he had lost in his memories continued to endure and linger in his existence.
She continued to watch over him.
That was what she desired most - to find that overwhelming and infinite devotion and love.
A pale face crowned with nightly blessed locks painted automatically in her head.
'No, I will never find it,' she realized.
She had already given her love to the one person who would never return it - the one person who already belonged to another.
-O-
Ok, no one throw things at me for this chapter. I know most of you were anti-Grimmjow and Sayuri, but I had to end this chapter this way. It would be too choppy if I added a new scene. Moreover, if the whole Grimmjow and Sayuri couple bothers you too much, think about Grimmjow's words, thoughts, and actions.
Please feel free to complain or inform me of any parts of this chapter that you disliked and what i could improve on. I will try my best to accommodate you. It would also be helpful to me if you let me know what you loved about this chapter. I live to make you all happy and entertained.
Lastly, I finally decided to draw Sayuri, so that all of you have an image of her in your head. It is not the best drawing, but I got too lazy to fix it. I will try to draw a more formal picture of her eventually. You can find her image on this story's cover. Again, I apologize for the terrible quality.
See you again soon!