Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. I hoped someone would give it to me for Xmas but there was no contract of ownership under the tree. But my birthday is in a couple of months…..

Previously…..

"We are so sorry we couldn't stop what happened to you Master Shiori. We are so sorry we couldn't stop your memory being erased and being thrown into the World of the Living like common garbage. We are sorry and ask for your forgiveness. We will always serve you, Master Shiori. No matter what happens or what orders you give us."

They know. They must have been there when it happened. All I can do is stand there in shock.


How do I react to something like that? What am I supposed to say to make them and myself feel better? I'm not sure if I want to know just yet what happened to me. A thought appears and I have to hold in a shudder. I've realized that, yes, I've been gone for six weeks, so what happened to them? It makes me understand a bit more why they were so afraid back in the throne room earlier. I hope whoever had care of them was a friend of mine and treated them right because memory loss or not I will kill whoever had treated them wrong. Even if it feels like the first time I have meet them, I am fiercely protective of them already. I now have three people that I can talk to fully, without hiding anything, to try and piece what happened. I know that they could just tell me but I have never been one for relying too heavily on others. I would prefer to figure it out so I know it is the truth. I see Riku raise his head and stare at me. I think I'm supposed to say something.

"It's alright Riku, Mika and Yuri. I do not blame any of you. I will figure out what happened and no, I don't want you three to tell me. I know that you must have been there to know about the memory loss. What I would like to know though is why where you three so scared in the throne room and did anyone have care of you while I was away?"

"Yes we were there when the…let's say 'accident'….happened, Master Shiori." It was my surprise that Yuri answered instead of Riku like I was expecting. I turn my green eyes to her and her violet eyes hold mine. I see the pain in them. It must have been hard for her.

"In answer to your questions, Master Shiori, what makes you think someone had taken care of us? And why do you think we were scared?" This time it was Mika. My eyes turn to her and she flinches at the glare I'm throwing her. I guess then that this one is going to give me trouble and a lot of headaches but she is still fiercely loyal to me. I sigh and try to put me thoughts into words.

"Well let's see," I start pacing in front of them slowly "If I was truly supposed to have been killed, logic states that you three would have been killed as well. They wouldn't want the old Cero Espadas' fraccion hanging around. Not when they would have a new one and probably the new one would have their own fraccion, so hence, no need to keep you alive. So someone must have known that I would be back sooner or later and kept you three alive and safe with them until that time. And the other part. You three are used to me who is an Espada. Our room is behind a door that backs on to the Espada living room and all the Espada live on this floor. So something must of happened while I was away and I want to know who it was so I can go have some 'friendly' words with them. That answer any underlying doubts?"

Ha. Their faces are priceless. I guess they were not expecting those words to come out of my mouth. I see them look at each other, and then a smile appears on all of their faces. What? Did I say something funny?

"Ha. It is her. Same old Shiori. Memory loss or not she is still the same. Yes Master Shiori, we were looked after. By Gin Ichimaru and by Master Ulquiorra. Those two were-sorry, should say are-on your side. They still will be considering your back now. They kept us safe from almost everyone. The person we are…nervous…around is the Diez Espada, Yammy."

I'm starting to see red. So Yammy is the one responsible for terrorizing my fraccion. I'll have to have those 'friendly' words with him when I get the chance. I know I won't be able to kill him due to if I do I'll be in trouble with Lord Aizen and I would like to stay under the radar for now. It seems also that my words just before are just like the way I used to speak/act so no worries in that department. I was concerned about that. I really didn't want to put on an act all the time. It also seems I was right about the fox face. Sneaky and not behind Aizen 100%. I wonder why that is? And also Ulquiorra help surprises me. I was under the impression he was loyal to Lord Aizen to a T. I'll have to get one of them to send for both of them when after I have a rest. The past couple of hours have really taken a toll on me.

"I'm going to have a little rest. As you can guess, the past couple of hours have taken it out of me. You guys can do whatever you want but I would suggest either saying in here or just in the living room outside. Remember Yammy is still around until I have some words with him. Just wake me up in a couple of hours." I say while running a hand through my ponytail that's been hanging over my shoulder. I start heading towards the two doors on the other side of the cushions then stop suddenly. Now, which room is mine?

"As you wish Master Shiori, also it is the door on the right."

I stare back sheepishly. I nod my thanks over my shoulder to Yuri and open the door on the right. Closing it behind I hear them talking quietly to themselves but I pay no attention. For 6 weeks they have been without me so there is some things they must want to talk about without my hearing it. Looking around the room I swear being the Cero Espada pays off. It is about the same size of the living room just behind me. My colors again around the room. There is a king size bed in the middle with a purple comforter, surprisingly, on top. There is a black desk against the left wall with a laptop and papers thrown everywhere on top. There is a small red love seat near the desk as well that could fit two people comfortably on it. This just seems like my type of room. Not a lot of things to make it seem over cluttered but still homey. I notice two doors on the right hand side and open the one furthest from the main door. I see it is my wardrobe. There is a couple of my uniforms in there and also some sleeping clothes. I find strange that I also find a formal kimono hanging up as well. In a world of white a blood red kimono stands out. I wonder what I needed it for. Shrugging, I close that door and head to the next one. It's my bathroom. A big spa bath that could fit three people is in one corner, a shower in the other and a vanity basin across from them. Once again the room is white. All this white is starting to give me a headache. Why Lord Aizen had chosen white as the main color scheme I'll never know. Deciding a shower is a good idea I strip my clothes and run the water on cold. It feels nice against my skin. Reaching for the shower gel I notice the scent is coconut. It triggers a little memory and I blush a bit. Where the hell did that come from? Who was the man washing me from behind? Washing quickly, I have to get out of that shower. Witnessing that memory made me feel like a peeping tom. Grabbing a sleeping yukata I climb on top of the bed, not really bothering with pulling down the comforter. I'm just too tired to care write now. Grabbing one of the pillows, I hug it close to me, finally dozing off.


"Shiori…." I feel a hand run through my hair that is down at the moment. "What are you reading love?"
"A book. What does it look like?" I can't help but giggle. "Really, that was a stupid question to ask."
"Fine love, have it your way." I feel the hand that was running through my hair stop and the body I was leaning on begin to move away from me.
"Awww please don't go," I can't help but giggle again "Who knew that – could be such a softie? And have a weird sense of humor?" I look into his eyes and notice he is struggling not to laugh. He still makes a move to get off the bed. Thinking quickly I turn over to straddle his hips, effectively pinning him to the bed.
"Ha. I win again." I smile down at him.
"That may be true love, but in the grand total I'm still leading."
Grinning, I lean down and lightly press my lips to his…..


I start awake. Where the hell did that come from? Hmmm, more memories are starting to re surface because I'm back here. But nothing too helpful yet except for the fact that I have someone special here. But hollows aren't supposed to have hearts. So how could he love me? Or maybe that was just a pet name? I couldn't really make out who it was, the face just hidden from view and his voice sounded like someone had really turned down the volume. I realize someone has been knocking on my bedroom door. Getting up from the bed and pulling down my yukata, I make my way over to the door and open it. It is Riku and I can't help but laugh at the look on his face. He is trying to hide a blush and look the other way. Looking down, I realize that the yukata is short – perhaps too short, but there isn't anything I can do about that. The color is a soft violet and the material is silk, which feels great against my skin.

"Ah, Master Shiori, it has been a couple of hours. Is everything alright?"

"Ummm…Yes, everything is fine. I was wondering if either Mika and Yuri would please go get Gin and Ulquiorra. I would like to speak to them. I'll see them in my room when they arrive."

"Of course Master Shiori. I'll send them right away." He says with a bow and closes my door again. Woops. I'll defiantly have to get changed now. Heading over to the wardrobe I start pulling on a fresh set of my uniform. It is as I'm pulling on gloves that there is a knock on my door again. These gloves are tricky so I don't have time to stop. Facing towards the door, thinking it is only Riku again, I yell.

"It's open!"

It is to my surprise it's not Riku. Standing in my door way is someone I did not expect to see so soon.

"Thank you for letting me in…..My dearest Shiori."

Well….Shit….

AN: As always please review!