Damn, they're fast! The shinigami was having a hard time keeping up with both the Espada. He was using all the speed available to him and just couldn't keep up. After the Arrancar had stopped to wait for him for what seemed like the tenth time, Ichigo had enough. He refused to be outclassed.
"BANKAI!"
The Espada arched his right brow at him. Orihime couldn't help but laugh.
Grimmjow smirked and shook his head.
Without waiting for the pair, the shinigami hurried passed them; the Espada followed, easily.
Seriously, what the hell? He just passed me again! Furious, the Vizard donned his red and white hollow mask. Let's see him keep up now!
Orihime couldn't stop giggling. This is all too surreal. Tugging on the hem of Ulquiorras jacket, she whispered, "Give him a break will you? Not only was he beaten at rescuing me, but you outclass him at Shunpo! His pride can only take so much!"
Ulquiorra smirked, a very odd sight to see; but he slowed down a fraction, allowing the Vizard to at least hang beside him. He couldn't help but satisfied over the fact that the woman had a point. He had rescued her right out from underneath the shinigami.
Suddenly Ulquiorra stopped, snapping himself out of his thoughts, unsure he should continue.
"What's up, Espada?" Ichigo asked.
He nodded down into the enclosure before them, "That."
Below them they could see the Captain of the Forth Division, Retsu Unohana, healing an injured Rukia and Sado inside a large, golden, cube.
"Rukia!" Ichigo gasped, having wondered what happened to her, fearing the worst; He had not been able to sense her reiatsu for a long while.
"Ulquiorra…I think it will be ok. She's the Captain of the Forth Division, she specializes in healing, and won't fight you if you don't threaten her. Take us down and let me explain all this to her."
Nodding, he unmasked his reiatsu before descending, not wishing to surprise the Captain Shinigami.
Grimmjow reluctantly followed, hanging back a bit.
Sensing the sudden release of spirit pressure behind her, Unohana whirled around, whipping out her Zanpakuto and taking a defensive stance. She assessed what she saw before her.
Before her she saw the Espada; The Espada that kidnapped Orihime Inoue. To the left of the Arrancar, she was surprised to see the woman, alive though slightly bruised and battered; to the right of the Arrancar, a very anxious Substitute Shinigami. And in the back, a very anxious blue haired Arrancar she had only ever heard of.
"What is the meaning of this?" she asked to the four of them, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. If I am forced to fight, I will. I will not leave my patients alone to die.
The woman, Orihime, stepped forward, her hands splayed in front of her in a gesture of peace. "Sorry, Captain Unohana!" she bowed slightly, showing her respect, "We didn't mean to sneak up on you, we were looking for our comrades," she glanced at the unconscious Rukia and Sado.
"What is the Espada doing here?"
At this, Ulquiorra stepped forward. "I am Ulquiorra Cifer, formerly the Forth Espada of Aizen's Arrancar Army. I am changing my…allegiances."
Unohana's eyes widened in shock at this, iHe's…he can't be serious?i The Espada held her gaze. He looked absolutely serious. There is no way to tell if he speaks truth or lies…I will just have to be on guard. "Stay away from my patients," is all the Captain said before returning to the task of healing.
Orihime rushed to her side, "Um, Captain Unuhana! I wish to help!"
She nodded, giving the go ahead.
Come on guys, its time to work! Help speed things up a bit!
Her soul spirits materialized into being and immediately went to work healing Rukia and Sado; meanwhile, Hinagiku made himself at home on his Mistress shoulder.
Tsubaki also appeared, but not before his Mistress, he was with the Espada.
They locked eyes, Tsubaki silently appraising the Elder Espada. Nodding to Ulquiorra in respect, the little spitfire returned to his Mistress, to inquire about her wellbeing.
Ichigo coughed, "So. Um…what's going on with you and Inoue?" The Vizard asked curiously.
At this Grimmjow stepped forward and quirked up an eyebrow, his arms folded across his chest.
Ulquiorra looked at the man beside him, wishing he could ignore the question, but knowing he had to reply, in order to gain the shinigami's trust. Carefully considering his answer, wanting to make the shinigami understand his choice in Orihime, he replied, "I've sworn to protect her and to kill Aizen…If I survive this war…" He closed his eyes. "If you win this war, and then if I even survive, I will have nothing left, nothing except…her. That is the fate I chose by saving her."
I see…he must care for her very much, to choose a fate worse than death. He exiled himself from his own people, only to attempt to join those who would sooner kill him then call him an ally. And to top it off, he knows he may never get to see her again. Ichigo watched him, taken aback.
Thinking aloud, Ulquiorra continued, "…I don't know…these feelings. Even in my past life, I did not experience them. I kept my emotions in check, until I met her…" Sighing, he opened his eyes and stared at the flaming red hair of the woman not far away.
"Wait, you're giving everything up just for some human?" Grimmjow asked.
Ulquiorra turned to face him. "Not just for her. I have a personal score to settle with Aizen. Besides, you know she's not just 'some human.'" Ulquiorra retorted, glancing at the Sixth Espada's restored shoulder and arm. "She is…different."
Grimmjow inclined his head, silently conceding the point.
Surprising himself, Ichigo clapped the Arrancar on the shoulder; causing the Espada to flinch and reach for his Zanpakuto. "Whoa! Chill out!" The Vizard backed away, hands raised in front of him. Ok he hasn't changed that much, he's still a touchy bastard.
Orihime inwardly cheered as Sado and Rukia began to regain consciousness. Unohana let out a small, relieved sigh as well, as she lowered the golden cube. "Inoue-san, they should really let you try out for a seat in the Forth Division! I wouldn't have been able to do this without you," she said gratefully.
Orihime blushed at the praise, bowing. She hurried over to where Rukia and Sado lie, anxious for them to come to.
Rukia! Ichigo went over to his shinigami companion, guilt discernable on his face, because he wasn't there to protect her. Gently grasping her hand, he willed her to wake up.
Smiling at Ichigo small gesture, Orihime went to check on Sado, seeing that Rukia was in good hands.
As Rukia regained consciousness, she breathed a sigh of relief…I am alive! But…Kaien-dono! She suddenly sat up, gasping as her head throbbed painfully. "Rukia! Lie down!"
"Ich…Ichigo?" She felt a rough hand firmly slide into hers, squeezing reassuringly. Opening her eyes, she exclaimed, "Ichigo!" sitting up again she flung her arms around the Vizard, ignoring the throbbing in her head, tears stinging her eyes.
He wrapped his arms around the petite woman clinging to him, trying to sooth her. "Yes it's me, I'm glad you're ok. You have Captain Unohana and Inoue-san to thank for that."
Pulling out of his embrace she gasped, "Inoue-san?" looking around her, she tensed, seeing the two Espada behind the group. "Ichigo!" she grabbed for her Zanpakuto, Sode no Shirayuki, but it wasn't at her side.
"Rukia, Rukia! It's ok! Take a breath! We'll explain everything in a moment once Sado wakes up." She nodded, reluctantly, never taking her eyes off the powerful Arrancar near the group.
Sighing in exasperation, Ulquiorra announced, "I'm going to try and contact you're last two comrades, so I don't have to explain the situation again." Garnering the Vizards attention, the Espada asked, "Ishida is the Quincy, and Renji is the red haired shinigami?"
Ichigo nodded his confirmation, "How will you contact them?" He asked curiously.
Ignoring the shinigami, Ulquiorra closed his eyes and focused his reiatsu, searching for the two individuals.
The Quincy was easy to find, his reiatsu wasn't massive, but it was very, very dense. Not one to take leafs out of Aizen's books, the Espada igently/i poked at the mind of the Quincy, gaining his attention.
Ishida summoned his bow and dropped down into a defensive stance, unsure what exactly it was he just felt.
Ulquiorra poked again, this time with a bit more force.
What the…That was in my head…
Indeed. The Espada thought at him.
The Quincy was very angry and confused now. Where the hell are you? Get out of my head!
The Espada sighed mentally at him, I am no threat. Seek out my reiatsu; I am with the orange haired shinigami and Captain Unohana. With that, Ulquiorra gently severed the mental link.
Opening his eyes, he told the others he had located the Quincy and that he should be on his way. They looked at the Espada quizzically. "You don't need to know how, just know that he is coming." Closing his eyes once more, the Espada began leaking out his reiatsu in strong pulses; one pulse every ten seconds or so.
The Vizard and his companions looked at the Espada, awed at the amount of power he was displaying. "His reiatsu is….so dense, and he has such control over it." Ichigo appraised, "I'll need him to teach me that" he chuckled, trying to make light of the situation.
Ignoring the shinigami's compliment and having established the appropriate amount of reiatsu to release at the proper interval; he continued his search for the red haired shinigami.
Finding him, Ulquiorra immediately realized the shinigami's dilemma. He was in a desperate battle with Rudobōn and his Exequias Army. Focusing his reiatsu, he pierced Rudobōn's mind, immediately requesting his presence in the Hōgyoku Room; the Hōgyoku was being threatened.
Telling the shinigami they'd have to finish the battle some other time, Rudobōn and his minions fled to the interior of Las Noches, going to protect the Hōgyoku from non-existent enemies.
Refocusing on the bewildered shinigami, Ulquiorra quickly established a mental link, wasting no time. Shinigami! I have sent Rudobōn on a false mission, you must flee! Focus on my reiatsu and come quickly! I am with the orange haired shinigami and a Shinigami Captain! Ulquiorra quickly severed the link, leaving no room for argument.
Gasping, the Espada collapsed against the wall; clutching his head in his hand. He had overexerted himself using mind link, causing the side affects of the mind rape to resurface, his skull filling as if it would split open. He prayed this side affect wouldn't plague him for too much longer.
Grimmjow, who had been leaning against the wall nearby, pushed himself off, concern etched on his face for his superior, and his only hope for surviving this war. He wasn't quite sure what to do, he glanced over the woman and the group of shinigami, hoping to catch their attention.
Seeing Ulquiorra collapse, Orihime rushed to his aid, forgetting about Ichigo and the others. All she cared about was helping her Espada. Kneeling next to him, "Ulquiorra, is it the…headache again?"
He nodded. "Tell…tell the others…the red headed one is coming, he was fighting…I helped-he was able to get away," was all he managed to choke out, focusing on getting past the pain and keeping his reiatsu pulses active.
She reluctantly returned to her friends, worry in her eyes. "What's the matter with him?" Ichigo asked.
"It's a long story, and it's not mine to tell; but the result is, if he over exerts his mind, such as using reiatsu for mental attacks, or messages, this happens. Anyways, he told me to inform you that Renji is coming. Renji was fighting some Arrancar, but Ulquiorra was able to send them away allowing Renji to escape."
"He probably feels like shit, us seeing him like this," Ichigo whispered. Orihime nodded, "I'm going to go see if I can help him." Smiling at her friends, she returned to Ulquiorras side.
"So what the hell is going on again?" Rukia asked impatiently, noting that Inoue-san's face was rather swollen. The Espada better not be the one responsible for that!
"What's going on between them, or in general?" Ichigo asked seriously, slightly perplexed.
"Honestly, I'd like to know both answers," Sado piped in.
"Sado!" Rukia and Ichigo exclaimed. "When did you decide to join us?" The Vizard asked.
"I've been conscious for about five minutes." He replied, solemnly.
"Once Ishida and Renji get here, I think the Espada will explain everything. Until then sit tight, and I guess just give him some space." Ichigo supplied.
Ulquiorra was exhausted, never had he felt so drained after utilizing reiatsu for mental application. He felt someone wipe away the tears that he had not been aware of leaking. He leaned into the touch, realizing that only one person would care for him in this way; and wanting any comfort she might be able to provide.
When she felt Ulquiorra lean into her touch, she immediately pulled him into her arms, crushing him to her chest. His head on her shoulder, she began to lightly massage his temples, hoping to alleviate some of his pain; managing to elicit a small whimper from him. Ulquiorra, please get better! We need you to be strong! She rested her head on his while continuing to rub his temples, wishing there was more she could do.
Feeling extremely uncomfortable upon seeing his superior in such a vulnerable state, and being comforted by a human of all things, Grimmjow walked away, shaking his head. The fuck is going on with them? How could I have not noticed?
Observing the odd couple, the small group couldn't help but be shocked. "It's…slightly disturbing, how close they've become in two weeks, eh?" Ichigo said, voicing everyone else's thoughts.
Captain Unohana nodded, "Though it's not surprising. He's probably been the only one she's seen, and any events she's experienced while she was here would naturally caused her to seek comfort anywhere she could get it. I believe in the human world its referred to as Stockholm Syndrome, and in the Espadas case, Lima Syndrome…but that's just my opinion," The Captain said, "Any number of events could have brought them together, I'm sure we'll find out eventually." Somehow I doubt it was any of those Syndromes though. Those cases take months to develop…
"I hope he wasn't the one to give Inoue-san those bruises!" Rukia threatened.
The Vizard placed a calming hand on her shoulder, "He did not, but how she got them, is not my place to say."
The pain in his head dulled to a throb, Ulquiorra slowly removed himself from Orihime's embrace. Her eyes were red and swollen, as if she had been crying with—no, for him. I do not deserve her kindness.
"If you're feeling better, you should really prepare yourself for Ishida and Renjis arrival; they're bound to be angry at…your intrusion." She whispered.
Answering her silent question, he said, "I was gentle, I would never do to anyone else, what Aizen did to me."
She gave him a shaky smile, slowly getting to her feet.
Ulquiorra followed her example, bracing himself against the wall; he carefully stood up, mentally preparing himself for a repeat of the pain. When none came, he was relieved; it was short lived though as he suddenly realized he stopped the reiatsu pulses. No wonder they aren't here yet. Once again focusing his reiatsu, he set up the pulses as he had before, and waited.
He vaguely realized he had just collapsed and fallen apart in front of his mortal enemies, and now, possibly allies, but for some reason, he just couldn't bring himself to care.
Going back to her companions, Orihime reassured them that the Espada would be alright, the episode had passed. I feel so awkward…knowing they…saw me and Ulquiorra together like that. She kept her eyes downcast, refusing to meet anyone's gazes.
Ulquiorra appeared before the group using sonido. "They are coming," is all the Espada said, blind, or purposefully ignoring, the tension in the group that had surfaced with his sudden appearance.
A moment later, the group spied a slightly annoyed and very exhausted Quincy a top a building nearby; followed by a bloody Renji.
As the duo looked down at the group, they were relieved to see that everyone was ok, and that Inoue was alive, and on our side. However there relief was short lived, as they spied the two Espada at the back of the group. Renji made to charge him, and the Quincy let loose a spirit arrow straight at the Espada's Hollow hole.
However, neither of them hit there mark, as a furious Orihime promptly blocked there attacks with her golden shield; a fiery reiatsu rolling off her in small waves. "You two will stop, and you will listen! Do not interrupt, and don't you DARE think about harming Ulquiorra!" she seethed at the two new comers.
The entire group was shocked at this; they had never seen Inoue emit any type of offensive reiatsu before. They knew she had defensive powers, but that was as far as it went.
Nobody was more surprised than Ulquiorra. Should I be offended, because I can take care of myself? Or should I feel flattered that she'd defend, even threaten her comrades over me? Shaking his head, he moved up behind her and said, "It is time." Nodding, the woman took a moment to calm down and lowered her shield. Tsubaki was floating nearby, an aura of pride emanating from the little spirit.
Silently daring the Quincy and red headed shinigami to try something, Orihime backed down and waited for Ulquiorra to explain.
"As I mentioned earlier, I am Ulquiorra Cifer, formerly the Forth Espada of Aizen's Arrancar Army. I wish to join Orihime's side, and kill Aizen." He paused, ignoring the incredulous looks he was receiving. "Yes, I realize it's hard to believe. However, I believe I can help you win this war."
"How do you think you can do that?" Surprisingly, it was Grimmjow who asked this.
"I believe I eclipse Aizen in power and skill." Ulquiorra said simply, glaring over at his former subordinate.
"But you're what, only the Forth Espada?" Ichigo was skeptical.
Closing his eyes in a sigh, Ulquiorra filled them in. "Before I met Aizen, I had been a Vasto Lord for well over four hundred years, though a hollow for a total of a thousand years. I already had well over what you would call Captain Class reiatsu. When Aizen used the Hōgyoku on me, my power increased ten fold," this elicited gasps of shock and disbelief from some in the company. "However when my power was tested, I only displayed a minute fraction of it, thus deceiving Aizen, and giving myself a powerful advantage should I ever need it." He paused for a moment, thinking of a way to describe his power.
"If I were to fully, truly, release myself right now, my reiatsu alone would flatten Las Noches."
"And why the hell would you want to join us then? When you could just kill Aizen yourself?" Ichigo asked.
The Espada closed his eyes. This was a question he really didn't want to answer, but he had expected it nonetheless. "I want to save Orihime," he whispered. Opening his eyes, he locked gazes with the red headed woman before him, who looked as if she might cry, but then she glared at him.
She stepped forward, glaring at Ulquiorra. "I appreciate that you want to save me," she looked at them all in turn, "But I don't need, nor did I want to be saved! I am tired, sick and tired of everyone treating me as if I'm a china doll or a princess needing rescuing! Did it not occur to any of you that I came here of my own free will?" She gasped, her chest heaving and her eyes filming over with a layer of tears.
She received looks of hurt, confusion and surprise.
"Inoue—" Ichigo stepped forward, as if he would put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"No Ichigo!" she pushed his hand away, "Just…no. Don't you understand? I came here because I didn't want any of you to be hurt! Why couldn't you have just seen that and let me go?" She cried before running away from her comrades, her friends.
Ulquiorra glared over his shoulder at the Vizard, before following immediately.
Ichigo frowned after his friend, suddenly confused by the change in honorifics.
"So when do we get out of here?" Sado asked, breaking the silence.
"If you're ready, then we may go now. I will take us to where the park would be in fake Karakura Town." Grimmjow offered.
Unohana's eyes widened, "How do you know it will be a fake?"
"Aizen knew, he told us. How he knew, I'm not sure." The Espada replied. "If you're ready, let me know, I will open a Garganta."
They all nodded their confirmation, they were ready.
Stepping back, the blue haired Espada focused his reiatsu into his right hand. Using it, he drew an invisible line before him, opening a crack in reality revealing a swirling darkness. Then using his reiatsu to shape the darkness into a path, he informed them it was time.
Everyone went through, aside from the Ulquiorra and the woman, whose face was red and tear stained.
They stared at each other silently for a few moments. Ulquiorra's sharp green eyes locked onto her own steely grey.
"Why do you want to save me?" she whispered.
Ulquiorra paused for a moment, inwardly surprised by the question, but replied nonetheless. "You are an enigma to me. I refuse to let you go until I figure you out." He stated, twisting his words around to hide the truth: that he cared about her.
For a moment Orihime looked as if she might say more, but instead she took a tentative step towards him and brought her hand up to caress his cheek, something she'd been longing to do for a long time, causing him to close his eyes. She ran her thumb over his hard skin and green tear tracks. "Definitely not makeup," she whispered as several tears leaked from her eyes.
He looked down at her, his eyes softening as he gently brushed her tears away. Unable to resist temptation, he pulled her into his arms and against his chest, his emotions taking control of him for the first time in over a thousand years. He felt his chest expand as a feeling of contentment swept through him, the emptiness within him suddenly filled. He relaxed and buried his face in her hair.
Orihime sighed into his embrace. It was unexpected to say the least, though not unwelcoming. She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his scent. Realization dawned on her. She felt whole when she was with him and she didn't question it one bit.
After a moment he reluctantly pulled back and looked down at her, "We need to go, they're waiting." He said softly.
She nodded, removing herself from him, refusing to meet his gaze. "Be careful, Ulquiorra." She said before disappearing into the darkness.
"I make no promises." He said, though he knew she couldn't hear him.
"For every man there is a cause which he would gladly die for, defend the right to have a place for which he can belong to.
And every man will fight with his bare hands in desperation, and shed his blood to spread the flood to barricade invasion."
Invasion – Shiro Sagisu
Chapter 12 Teaser: Using sonido, he appeared before Aizen, slashing him across his chest.
An: Yay finally a little bit of fluff! I hope it wasn't too bad.
AND DUN DUN DUN
Instead of short and sweet, it's a short and evil teaser =D
Also I hope you enjoyed the slight comic relief at the beginning ^^
I added the song quote, because it just seemed perfect. This was the song/chant that played in the background when Ulquiorra (in his 2nd release) fought against Hollowfied Ichigo above the dome in Las Noches.
Many thanks to those who reviews/added me to favs and alerts! ^^