Disclaimer: I do not own or make a profit off of this story in any way.
Warning: Major differences in the plotline and an additional OC character. There is some serious OOCness in here, so don't flame…
Author's Note: I realized that I only have one reviewer…is my story really that bad? Well, anyway, can ya guys just like, type two words (good job, you suck, this is stupid) I don't know? …Please -.-
Okay, I'm done ranting now…
Chapter 3: The Players
Somewhere in Hueco Mundo:
Ice-blue eyes flew open as the figure woke up violently, "N-nani?!"
"Shhhh," a voice called out. "You're safe here."
"Ngh, is it just you?" the figure asked, still out of breath.
"Hai, he left yesterday. Do you remember waking up?" The figure could hear the smile in the other's voice and frowned.
"Not really," he grumbled, "Where are we?"
"You're just full of questions, aren't you?" The voice chuckled. "Well, I suppose I should tell you. We're…in some random cave in Hueco Mundo. How are you feeling…Grimmjow?"
Managing to prop himself up on his elbows, he glared at his companion. "I've been better…"
A tinkling laugh echoed throughout the cave. "I'm sure you have. Now, lay
down so I can change those bandages."
Sighing in defeat, the Sexta Espada obeyed, "Damn you, be thankful that I'm injured, or else I'd rip your head from your shoulders."
It was an empty threat, and they both knew it.
Smirking, the other replied, "Even if you wanted to, which I know you don't, I doubt that you'd be able to."
"Hn, whatever" Grimmjow knew better than to argue with this particular spirit. He was reckless, not clueless. "So, was my little show convincing enough for you? …with credit to that shinnigami, of course."
Carefully peeling away the soiled bandages, and replacing them with clean ones, the other answered slowly, "Aizen is very perceptive, we must proceed with the utmost care and act as if he knows what we are doing. But, other than that, you did great, Grimm-kun!" She finished with a wide grin.
Surprisingly, the usually hotheaded hollow just shook his head and smiled softly at the affectionate nickname. "You're the only one that I'd ever allow to call me that, you know?"
Smiling softly, the girl pulled Grimmjow's head into her lap and ran a hand soothingly through the vibrant blue hair. "I do know, I do know, I'm the only one that can do a lot of stuff to you…like this. (not meant as a perverted comment!) But for now, just rest, you need it."
"Mmmm," he replied.
In Seiretei:
"Abarai Fukutaicho," Byakuya called out to his lieutenant, who was currently training some of the unseated shinnigami of their division, "I wish to speak with you a moment in private, please."
Stepping away from the other's, Renji followed his captain, "Hai, Kuchiki Taichou, what did you want to talk about?"
Facing the taller man, Byakuya regarded him with the usual stoic gaze. "I will be taking a short leave starting this afternoon." His remark was met with silence, so he continued, "And, I felt it necessary that I inform you of my absence this time."
"…Y-you can't just…leave!" Sputtered Renji.
"I don't see why not." The Kuchiki heir pointed out.
Renji exploded, "We're preparing for a war! What if Aizen or an Espada attacks us while you're away?"
Still staring calmly at the flustered lieutenant, Byakuya replied smoothly, "Trust me, Renji, he won't, and even if he did, you can count on all the other taichou and fukutaichou, no? It's not like we'd lose just because one captain wasn't present."
"But, what about me? What would I be without my taichou?" Renji admitted dejectedly. "I need you, you know that! I don't…want you to leave again."
Smiling faintly, Byakuya realized why Renji was so against him leaving; he was afraid what would happen if he acted without a captain's order. "There is no need to worry, Abarai-kun. I'm sure you'd be able to act accordingly, even without me there to guide you."
"It's not just that, Taichou…" he suddenly looked away, with a pink tinge to his cheeks.
Raising an eyebrow, Byakuya was puzzled. "Oh?"
"…" Renji blushed harder.
"Abarai fukutaicho, what is it then?" Byakuya asked sternly.
"Ijustdon'twantyoutogethurtwhenyou'reaway!" The Roku-ban fukutaichou spilled out, all in one breath.
"Renji," the Kuchiki said in all seriousness. "I didn't catch a word you said."
Rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, Renji stuttered, "Taichou…I…well, I don't want you to get hurt when you're away. I know it's not my business to pry, but I know that you're doing something important, and I…don't think…I'd…be able to stand not having you as taichou. I mean sure, ya can be sorta annoyin' and pigheaded an' all stuck up an' all, but you're still my taichou an'- "
"Alright, alright, I…understand what you mean. Thank you for your concern, it means a lot, but I won't get hurt." Byakuya said comfortingly.
"Promise?" he asked hesitantly.
Smile widening, Byakuya tried to act confident. "Abarai Fukutaichou, I promise I won't get hurt." In truth, he didn't feel nearly as sure, there was a chance that he could lose his position in the Gotei 13 if he was caught in the act and an even higher chance that he could lose his life if he wasn't careful.
"Okay then, just be sure to be back within a couple of days." Renji said.
"If you insist," Byakuya turned to leave and paused, "Renji, do you…trust me?"
Blinking a few times, Renji nodded. "Of course, Taichou!"
"Good," Byakuya replied, "Then trust me now."
Byakuya shunpoed swiftly away from a very confused, very suspicious fukutaichou.
--
In Las Noches:
A figure dressed in white walked swiftly towards the exit of Las Noches.
"What do you think you're doing, Ichimaru Gin?" Aizen inquired as he suddenly appeared next to his subordinate.
"Oh, just off for a walk or two," the former san-ban taichou replied with the usual smile.
"May I inquire where you are going?" asked Aizen, eyebrow raised.
Gin kept his cool and proceeded with the plan, "Please, Sosuke, don't you trust me enough to let me wander around at my will? I was just going to get a breath a fresh air and perhaps just think a little."
Eyes narrowing, the taller man spoke carefully. "Of course I trust you Gin, I was merely…curious, that's all."
Nodding to his superior, Gin made his exit and immediately shunpoed away from the area. Shaking his head and wiping sweaty palms on his clothes, it wouldn't do for his partner to see him all disheveled, he made a mental note to mention to hurry the plan up a bit.
After what seemed like an eternity of running, Ichimaru finally reached the designated meeting spot. As he entered the barrier, he took one look back at the giant fortress, its size had barely changed.
"You made it," a voice called out from nowhere.
Nodding and smiling again, Gin replied easily, "Of course."
TBC
I know, I know, this probably makes no sense at all, but…yeah, please please please review! It's not that hard! …and feel free to correct me on any spelling or grammatical errors! .;