An: Sorry for the slightly late update! I've been distracted lol. I'll be starting college again soon so it might slow down even more, but I'll try to get a chapter out every few weeks at the very least. I thank you all who are continuing to read and review! You make my day!
The density and power of Ulquiorras reiatsu nearly made Aizen buckle to his knees, his chest constricting painfully and breath coming in shallow gasps. Absolutely…amazing! This must be the Hōgyoku's doing. I knew he was already very powerful when we met…but to become THIS powerful with the use of that sphere just once… Having learned not to underestimate his former ally, Aizen slowly withdrew his Zanpakuto; he took a defensive stance, preparing himself for battle.
Pointing his green Shikai at Aizen once more, Ulquiorra gave only one warning, "Do not hesitate. Do not think, for even a second."
And Ulquiorra was upon him.
Aizen blocked with his Zanpakuto, locking gazes with his opponent, the Espada slamming him back through several buildings, his arm going numb. Unbelievable!
Ulquiorra pushed himself away from Aizen, forcefully kicking the shinigami in the abdomen.
Slicing open his left hand, Ulquiorra took careful aim, "Gran Rey Cero!" A monstrous, black and green beam of spirit particles shot from his hand, completely destroying everything in its path.
Aizen focused his reiatsu and braced himself against the cero using his Zanpakuto, laughing. Is this all you have, Espada? I gave you that technique! Completely unfazed, Aizen rushed Ulquiorra using Shunpo, attempting to get behind him.
The attempt failed, as Aizen was immediately slapped back by one of Ulquiorra's massive armored wings.
Somersaulting backwards through the air, the ex-shinigami brought his feet back under him, and skidded to a stop.
Yamamoto was impressed, and wary. This…Arrancar…is immensely powerful. He may even surpass me in strength.
Opening his eyes slightly, Yamamoto became aware of numerous approaching reiatsu.
He was relieved to see all but three of the Gotei 13 there before him. "Where is Captain Kenpachi, Mayuri and Byakuya?"
Orihime's eyes widened. "I think Ichigo and Renji said something about them being in Hueco Mundo, I didn't realize they hadn't returned."
Szayel was nervous. Something he hadn't felt in a very long time. He was surrounded by numerous Captain class shinigami, if they wanted to, they could easily kill him. He kept his gaze level, not looking anyone in the eye, and tried to appear as non-threatening as possible.
Grimmjow mirrored Szayel's anxiety, constantly shifting back and forth on his feet, his hand itching to grab his Zanpakuto.
Orihime glanced over at the blue haired Espada, nodding to him reassuringly.
Yamamoto nodded his thanks to the woman.
"What is going on here, Head CaptainYamamoto?" Toshiro asked, voicing everyone's thoughts as they glanced at the two Espada and the fighting Ulquiorra.
"The Espada fighting Aizen came to me, requesting that he be allowed to align with our cause: to destroy SōsukeAizen." Ignoring the surprised, enraged and negative outbursts from his subordinates, Yamamoto continued. "If he fulfills his oath, successfully destroying Aizen, and winning us this war, I will speak with him alone, and confirm for myself where his loyalties truly lie. Until then, you're forbidden to confront him!" The Captain Commander stated, looking each of the Gotei 13 in the eye, getting confirmation that they understood his orders.
Orihime let a small sigh escape that she had been holding, relieved that the ancient shinigami was not only powerful, but wise.
"As to these two here, I do not know who they are, or where their allegiances lie." He paused staring through half lidded eyes at Szayel. "What say you, Espada?"
Orihime tensed, getting ready to intervene, however Szayel stopped her, a hand on her shoulder. "Szayel Aporro Granz, Arrancar Scientist and Formerly the Eighth Espada of Aizen's Arrancar Army. My loyalties lie with this woman." he bowed respectfully, shocking everyone present.
Orihime looked back at him, startled yet elated at the same time. She only prayed that the others would accept this small statement.
Head Captain Yamamoto nodded, turning to Grimmjow. "What fate do you choose?"
Grimmjow remained silent for a moment, weighing his options. He had defected against Aizen and he was surrounded by Captain level shinigami. Unless he truly wished to die, he had no option but to join them, or at least call it a truce.
He sighed moving his hand away from Pantera and scratched his head. "Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. I guess I'm the former Sixth Espada. I stand behind Ulquiorra and this woman."
Yamamoto inclined his head, "The same rule will apply to these Espada."
"What are we to do about the remaining Espada and Hallow?" Vice-Captain Momo Hinamori asked, her voice slightly trembling at the sight of her former Captain fighting the Espada.
The small company could see a group of Arrancar and Espada far off in the distance, watching the fight ensue just as they were.
"If they continue there attempts to interfere with the pillars, destroy them. Ignore them otherwise; I'm sure that they are just as confused by what they are seeing as you are. If they try and come to Aizen's aid, or you suspect them of sabotaging the Espada's efforts, kill them."
At that moment, Shinji and his group made an appearance, having been lured there by the intense pulsations of reiatsu. "And what would you have us do?" The Vizard asked.
Yamamoto turned around, slightly surprised by what he found. "Shinji Hirako," he said, analyzing the supposedly dead Ex-Captain before him.
The Vizards hair was blonde and jaw-length; whereas it was grown long, flowing all the way down his back when he was a Captain. Shinji stood in the commander's presence with a detached air about him, his hand stuffed in the pocket of his grey pants; a Zanpakuto casually slung over his shoulder, resting on his neck.
The Vizard inclined his head, "surprised to see me, yes?"
"Where do your loyalties lie?" the Commander bluntly asked.
"With me and my Vizards, and Ichigo, nobody else," he paused, enjoying the tension that comment brought on. "However, we have a common enemy, so for the moment, I suppose that counts us as temporary allies."
The Commander bowed his head slightly, recognizing the Vizard for what he was, and accepting their temporary truce.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, the Espada and Fracción had regrouped, and were currently watching the confrontation between their Leader, and the traitor, Ulquiorra, unfold.
Coyote Starrk was not the least bit surprised. He had a feeling that the Forth Espada had been restraining his powers for a long time; he just didn't care enough to confront the Espada or Aizen about it. Watching Ulquiorra fight, he couldn't help but be impressed by his cunning and skill.
Tia Harribel, the Third Espada, was quite anxious; normally one quite reserved and analytical, she couldn't help but worry over her two battling comrades. She was eternally grateful for the gift Aizen had bestowed upon her, and had the utmost respect for his power and skills. However she couldn't help but feel that if he had to choose between the Third Espada and the completion of his plan, he'd kill her flat out. Ulquiorra though, she had always admired his intellect, blunt logic, and now, his ability to disguise the true extent of his abilities. And he wouldn't kill me if he didn't have to, unlike Aizen…
Wonderweiss was gleeful. He thoroughly enjoyed watching his Master and former superior fight to the death. "Why is Szayel and Grimmjow over there with the shinigami?" He asked randomly.
The others made no comment, ignoring the traitorous scientist and cat, they more interested in watching the fight before them.
Aizen was tiring; he was having a harder and harder time blocking the Espadas lightning quick attacks. I have to think of something…fast…what is his weakness? Throwing up his sword just in time to block Ulquiorras shikai from slicing him from shoulder to hip, he was instead struck by Ulquiorras tail, throwing him backwards with enough force that it was several city blocks before he could regain his feet. Ah…that damn tail of his!
An image of red hair and a tear stained face flashed before his eyes. He grinned maliciously. He knew exactly how to bring Ulquiorra down. "Shatter, Kyōka Suigetsu," he whispered to his Zanpakuto.
Ulquiorra followed after the battered shinigami, his eyes searching through the debris and dust his attack had caused.
Suddenly through the dust, he caught a flash of fiery hair. He dived down to the roof top, wanting to make a closer inspection.
It was the woman.
"Ulquiorra, help me!" she had tears leaking down her face and her hands were clutched pathetically to her chest. "I don't know what's going on. I was with Ishida and then I blacked out and woke up here." She looked around anxiously, "what's going on Ulquiorra?"
He approached her slowly, searching her. Something wasn't right. He knew he had left her in the care of the Quincy and Szayel. He reached out to her, "woman?"
Her eyes snapped to his, and she took a step back, fear in her eyes.
That's when he knew, his eyes narrowed, preparing to take off. But it was too late, for he suddenly felt warmth seeping down his chest. He looked down and found a sword there, blood leaking from the wound, and the one to have caused it appeared to be none other than the woman, however now she had a manic gleam in her eyes.
"You're not Orihime." He hissed, flicking his tail at the image. He jumped back off the ground, clutching his chest as he tried to gain altitude.
Aisen smiled smugly from the shadows as he watched his former subordinate suffer through his illusion. However he was unsatisfied. He had not suffered enough.
Suddenly he remembered the night he had assaulted Ulquiorra's mind after Nnoitra's attack and smiled. Closing his eyes, he formed a mental image of himself, throwing a white hot javelin of condensed reiatsu into his Ulquiorra's mind, shattering it.
The affect was instantaneous.
Ulquiorra immediately faltered, his wings struggling to keep him aloft. He clutched at his head, screaming in pain. My head! Not again…! Losing control of his reiatsu, it exploded out him as he fell to the ground.
"Ulquiorra!" Orihime screamed, tears in her eyes. Oh no he used it again…Aizen is torturing his mind…he'll go insane! She pounded on the golden sphere.
"Let me out of here!" she demanded of the Head Captain. "I need to go help him!"
Yamamoto only shook his head, "You'll be killed, child."
"I don't care! I need to help him!" Desperate, and angry, the fiery reiatsu poured out of her once again. Glaring at the golden shield she yelled, "Koten Zanshun! I REJECT!"
Instantly materializing, Tsubaki appeared, a red and white shield flowing around him, he flew straight into the golden sphere, shattering it.
Orihime had an abnormal air of confidence about her as she stepped off the side of the building into the air, her dense fiery spirit pressure supporting her and protecting her from Ulquiorra's own reiatsu; Tsubaki flew at her side. "I'm…proud of you," he said, "however, now is not the time for praise, let us go find your guardian!" Nodding, she sprinted out into the air, leaving the shocked Commander, Captains and Espada behind.
Szayel watched her go. He wished to help, but he knew she needed to do this on her own.
"Tch, Ulquiorra was right when he said that girl was more than just a human." Grimmjow stated.
Tsubaki found Ulquiorra lying crumpled atop a building, howling in agony. He could hardly breathe. Blinded by the pain and tears streaming down his face, he had no idea Orihime had come to his aid.
"Ulquiorra! Ulquiorra!" Orihime cried, running to the broken Espada and gathering him up in her arms. She rocked him back and forth, soothing back his hair gently; he gave her no recognition that he realized she was there.
"Isn't that sweet."
Orihime's heart jumped, terrified by that voice. She glared up at the shinigami across the rooftop.
"The human and the Hollow, what an odd…couple." Aizen sneered, disgusted.
Orihime's orange reiatsu flared about her, "Why do you keep doing this to him!" she pleaded, stalling for time while she tried to figure out what to do.
"It's his only weakness, he's got regenerative abilities, unmatched speed and power, and unimaginable intelligence…but he never learned to protect his mind." Aizen stated, gleefully taping the side of his head. "Clearly he's not as intelligent as I once perceived, having decided to align himself with a mere human child."
Her reiatsu flared white hot, searing the concrete around her, although leaving her Espada untouched. She hated that everyone seemed to think so little of her, that she was so iweak./i
Aizen was stunned by her small display of power, the Hōgyoku has been working again, I see.
Just then Ulquiorra let out a particularly awful gasp of agony, and then went limp.
Distracted, Orihime looked down at him. Aizen smiled and attacked.
Realizing her mistake, she immediately called forth her shield, her reiatsu flaring out around her causing the shield to encase both her and the Espada; leaving Tsubaki outside.
"KOTEN ZANSHUN! I REJECT!" she screamed. Tsubaki shot at the smug shinigami quicker than he could react, flying straight into Aizen's chest, knocking him clear off the roof.
Now that Aizen was finally out of Ulquiorra's presence, and hopefully dead, Orihime returned her gaze to her guardian only to find two of her favorite emerald green eyes staring up at her. "You're ok!" she said, helping him sit up.
"My head is throbbing…and I feel…drained…but I'll be ok," he said, closing his eyes in relief and breathing in her scent. "Where is Aizen?"
At this Orihime turned pink, "I uh…that is to mean, Tsubaki and I, threw him off the roof." Tsubaki couldn't have looked more proud. "I don't know how much damage we caused, Tsubaki hit him square in the chest, but I don't think we killed him; probably just made him angrier.
Ulquiorra pulled himself from her embrace and made to get up, ignoring the throbbing in his head, "Then I must go find him." He looked into her eyes one last time before jumping off the side of the building after Aizen.
I cannot believe it, thought the Third Espada, Harribel, relieved that Ulquiorra was alive; but shocked and envious at the same time. iHe fell for the human woman! How did she manage that one? The Espada wondered, curious. "I didn't see that one coming."
Starrk yawned at the scene, "Who cares?"
Harribel mentally rolled her eyes at him as she crossed her arms across her chest.
Wonderweiss looked disappointed that Aizen had not killed the traitorous Espada.
What…the hell…was that shit? Aizen regained consciousness, remembering what happened. He looked down at his chest to see a large gaping hole in his abdomen.
He glared into the darkness, not able to come to terms with the woman besting him for the third time in a row, and in defense of his insubordinate Espada nonetheless. iWhy would he betray me for the woman though? The thought perplexed him. It's not as if he could care for her. Hollow—Arrancar, they do not have hearts. Unless…
He unconsciously fingered the Hogyoku in his pocket. He knew that the reiatsu emitted from the Hogyoku affected those around it, somehow drawing a soul's deepest desires. When it was inside Rukia, it brought out the powers within tall dark haired man, Sado, and the woman, Orihime Inoue. Can it have possibly given my most loyal, trusted Espada, a heart, or at least a conscience and the ability to feel emotion? He could think of no other reason the typically stoic Arrancar would have betrayed him.
He felt the Hogyoku pulse within his hand.
He pulled it out of his pocket.
The Hogyoku was glowing, its reiatsu swirling within its depths.
It pulsed again, nearly blinding the shinigami, this time it also had emitted silvery lightning like tendrils from its core, stretching towards the center of the wound.
An eerie grin spreading across his face, Aizen brought the orb towards the wound. Upon reaching it, the tendrils spread out across his body and enveloped him, making his vision go black.
Ulquiorra couldn't find Aizen, he was either masking his reiatsu, or he was dead, somehow he thought it was the former. Neither could he find the Hogyoku.
Pursing his lips, he quickly returned to his charge.
"I couldn't find him." the Espada murmured, closing his eyes and clutching at his head as he leaned against the wall of the roof, his head still throbbing painfully.
"I swear he fell down just over there…" Orihime said, placing a comforting hand on the Espada's shoulder.
"Be that as it may…I need to get you back to the shinigami, I won't have you being alone with him on the loose." Pausing, he asked,"How did you survive my reiatsu?"
She was gathered up in Ulquiorra's arms as she formulated a reply. "You know, I'm not sure. I think it has something to do with the more potent reiatsu I've gained recently? I think its shielding me." Ulquiorra nodded, jumping off the building and flying to where the shinigami where gathered.
"Don't do anything else stupid in my defense woman." He ordered.
Ulquiorra focused on his reiatsu before arriving, reigning it in so as not to force the blunt of it upon them at close range. He landed a ways away from them, gently setting Orihime down, ignoring their stares of distrust and aversion.
She walked towards the shinigami captains tentatively, slightly blushing, and bowed. "Sorry for leaving like that," was all she said.
"I can't tell where Aizen is," Ulquiorra stated, "I believe he was injured, and fled somewhere to recuperate, which is why I cannot sense his reiatsu. He is not dead, otherwise he would have been where he had fallen when she had assaulted him."
The shinigami nodded, having witnessed everything that went on between Aizen, Orihime and the Espada; Orhime stared at the ground.
Unohana, Renji, Sado, Rukia and Ichigo suddenly appeared, after Ulquiorra's reiatsu had been reined in, the small group was free to join the company.
"Then we wait." Yamamoto said.
Ulquiorra paced the rooftop, "I will not wait." With one last look at Orihime, he disappeared.
Yamamoto scowled at the retreating Espada.
"Peace!" Ichigo went after said Espada.
Yamamoto scowled even further
Shinji laughed, following the orange haired Vizard.
Grimmjow made to go after them, tired of sitting on the side lines, but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder.
Szayel shook his head. "This isn't our fight."
"Tch!"
Ulquiorra quickly stopped, feeling a single pulse of reiatsu nearby. Ichigo and Shinji stood by the Espada and waited.
Eyes widening, Ulquiorra turned just in time to block Aizen's sudden attack; pushing Ulquiorra far through the air. He immediately went on the defensive as Aizen started pummeling him. Annoyed, Ulquiorra let loose his reiatsu, hoping to gain some breathing room.
Aizen was undeterred.
Coming to the Espadas aid, the Vizard's donned their hollow masks and released their Zanpakutos, they advanced on Aizen.
"What the hell happened to you old man?" Ichigo asked curiously after failing to land a blow against Aizen's neck.
Ulquiorra fell back, genuinely curious, and desperately needing the respite to reassess his opponent.
Aizen was covered in a white, bone like cocoon that was separated into four sections by a cross in the middle of his abdomen. His head was even covered, he had nothing but small slits for eyes.
Aizen and his three opponents faced off. "The Hōgyoku finally realized my deepest desire," is all he said before attacking the shinigami-vizard duo.
Utilizing Aizen's distraction, Ulquiorra advanced on him. The three attacked Aizen furiously, somehow never landing a single blow.
"He seems to have some sort of field surrounding him," Shinji observed.
"If we all focus our most powerful attacks on him at the same time do you think we'll have a shot?" Ichigo asked.
Ulquiorra nodded, "On my signal."
They advanced upon Aizen, going on the offensive. They each attempted to deliver multiple blows from different angles. Finally Ulquiorra managed to send him flying with the combined hit of his wing, tail and Shikai, "Now!" The three comrades leaped back putting distance between them and there opponent.
"Taorero, Sakanade." Shinji called forth his released Zanpakuto, immediately following up with its special ability. "Tentou, Sakanade," the Vizard inverted the world as Aizen saw it.
Taking advantage of Aizen's confusion, together Ulquiorra, Shinji and Ichigo advanced upon him.
Slicing open there palms, letting blood flow, the threesome shouted:
"Getsuga Tenshō!"
"Gran Rey Cero."
"Cero."
A massive black, red and green swirling beam of impossibly dense spirit particles sped toward Aizen, who attempted to block the combined attack from the front, but since he was inside of Shinji's inverted world, it struck him from the back, hurtling him to the ground.
The Espada and Vizard's waited, anxious to see if there strategy had worked.
The dust having settled, they viewed a two mile wide diameter crater, which used to be fake Karakura Town.
"I don't see his body," Shinji commented, the Espada and substitute shinigami faces grim.
Closing his eyes, Ulquiorra searched for Aizen's all too familiar reiatsu. "There!" He pointed at a tiny white spec attempting to crawl up the other end of the crater.
Ichigo made for the injured ex-shinigami, but Ulquiorra placed a hand on his chest, holding him back. His eyes never leaving the white dot that was Aizen, he said, "Let me uphold my oath."
Stepping forward, he withdrew all his reiatsu into himself and focused, "Lanza del Relámpago." He spread his hands out before him, releasing his reiatsu, forming a long, bright green spear of condensed spirit particles, he picked it up.
Hefting it over his shoulder, he carefully took aim, and launched it with all the strength he could muster, then, holding his slashed palm out he ended with, "Cero Oscuras." A massive black cero issued forth from his hand, swiftly following the spear to its target, both colliding with the tiny white spec.
The explosion that took place dwarfed that of the Espada and Vizard's three attacks combined. The explosion destroyed half of what was left of fake Karakura Town, and knocked all remaining inhabitants off there feet.
After a while the smoke cleared, and Ulquiorra went to search for Aizen. He found no evidence of his death or his survival. Unsatisfied, he quickly made his way back to Orihime, leaving two speechless Vizards to observe the destruction.
Appearing across the roof from the Shinigami and Gotei 13, Ulquiorra stated. "I believe Aizen is dead, however the Hogyoku is missing."
There was a half hearted collective sigh from the shinigami.
The Espada remained silent.
"I see." Head Captain Yamamoto said. "If that is the case, then we must be on guard. We do not know the true extent of the Hogyoku's capabilities. For all we know, Aizen may have found a way to survive."
Nobody said anything. Many wore somber expressions; others were just relieved that today's fighting was over.
"Ichigo, will you and your friends destroy the pillars returning the town to its rightful order?"
They nodded.
"Unahano, would you and your seated subordinates please take care of the injured. Ukitaki, Shunsui, please round up the remaining Espada and inform them they have lost. They may choose to leave and live peacefully in Hueco Mundo, or they will be destroyed."
Szayel immediately tensed, ready to grab Orihime and escape need be. Grimmjow was ready to fight, all be damned if it was a losing battle.
Ulquiorra was one step ahead of Szayel, as he had sonidoed over to Orihime and wrapped an arm protectively around her, his wings flared out and tail poised, "I will not go back." He stated with finality.
Orihime looked between Ulquiorra and the shinigami, her breath caught in her throat.
The Captains spun into defensive stances; the Commander merely opened his eyes.
"I was not referring to you or your comrades, Cifer-san, formerly the Forth Espada of Aizen's Arrancar Army." He stated matter-of-factly.
Ulquiorra took a deep breath, willing himself to calm down; he returned to his original form. Closing his eyes, he inclined his head to the Elder Shinigami, "My apologies, Head Captain." He said respectfully; surprising everyone in attendance.
"There is no need to apologize, Cifer-san. If I were in your position, I would be gravely paranoid and defensive as well. Please be at peace. I have no intention of telling you to return to Hueco Mundo." Yamamoto said, attempting to placate the former Espada.
He straightened up, nodding his head at the old warrior shinigami. He locked gazes with each of the Gotei 13; willing himself to remember there expressions for analyzation later. I have the Commanders word, but that doesn't mean everyone will agree with him, I must stay on guard.
"What of Gin Ichimaru?" Vice-Captain Matsumoto asked, tentatively, "he's still alive, somewhere." The Gotei 13 had no idea of her previous relationship with the defected shinigami.
"Captain Soifon and the Stealth Corps will remain on the lookout for him, besides that I am afraid there isn't much we can do about him at this point."
Orihime shakily stepped forward, "Excuse me, Head Captain Yamamoto, what are we do to now? By we…I mean Szayel, Ulquiorra, Grimmjow and I." She looked at the ground in front of her, her cheeks turning pink.
"They are to go to with Urahara Kisuke, he will take the Espada into protective custody. They will not be harmed, but they are not free either. You are to return home."
Orihime bowed, trying to hide the tears in her eyes. She didn't want to leave them, him, alone, but this was better than them being sent back to Hueco Mundo, or locked up in Soul Society. "I understand, Head Captain."
Reluctantly she left Ulquiorra's side and cautiously went over to her friends: Ichigo, Ishida, Sado and Rukia. They all wore mixed expressions of disbelief, respect, worry, and happiness.
Tears in her eyes, she bowed deeply before them, "I'm sorry!" she cried.
Ulquiorra watched Orihime and her friends anxiously; still feeling over protective of her, he wanted to go comfort her. Resisting the urge he thought, she needs this. She needs her friends. It was I who stole her from them after all; they hate me, I'm surprised she doesn't as well. Ulquiorra turned from the little reunion, his hands back in his pockets; he walked over to the edge of the building, surveying the destruction he had helped wrought.
Grimmjow and Szayel joined the Former Espada, but said nothing.
Ulquiorra closed his eyes, "Thank you for your assistance earlier, Szayel, you saved me and Orihime. I am in your debt."
Szayel scoffed, wincing at the same time, his injuries still bothering him, "Nonsense! This was just payment for you saving my ass earlier this week from Aizen."
Ulquiorra looked at the Pink Haired Espada, "So it was just repayment? None of this had to do with the fact that you've fallen in love with the woman?" he asked, knocking the scientist off guard.
Love? Szayel stared at Ulquiorra, contemplative. "Is it even possible for us to love?" he asked out loud.
Ulquiorra said nothing, already knowing the answer for himself.
"Even if it were possible…she only has eyes for you, Ulquiorra." He said softly, resigned to the fact.
"She deserves better." Ulquiorra said after a few moments.
Szayel couldn't help but nod.
Grimmjow rolled his eyes. He couldn't believe the two of them. Hollow—Arrancar, do not love. We lust, due to the small piece of shinigami forced inside of us from the Hogyoku. But love? We need a heart to love. Then again, I love to fight, but I know that's not the kind of love they are referring to.
After a while, a shinigami appeared between them, wearing a white and green hat and carrying a wooden cane. "I'm Uruhara Kisuke, you'll be coming with me. I have an underground training facility that you will be safe in, however I'm afraid you will not be allowed to leave."
They stared at him blankly.
Seeing Uruhara with the three Espada Orihime left her friends and rushed over. "What's going on?" she asked worried.
"They are to come with me to my basement Inoue-san, there they will be held until the Head Captain decides exactly what to do with them." He held up a hand stopping her from interrupting, "They will not be harmed and I'm sure the Head Captain won't send them back to Hueco Mundo. Okay?"
She nodded. "I want to go too." She whispered.
Ulquiorra glared at her, "No, you need to be with your friends. Do not concern yourself with us." He stated crisply, his old mask falling into place.
Szayel nodded in agreement, his eyes sad.
Uruhara watched them without saying a word. He wondered just exactly what had happened between the Espada and Inoue in the past two weeks, he also wondered, what if they hadn't waited the two weeks, would these Espada still be enemies, rather than allies?
"Don't make this harder than it has to be." Ulquiorra stated.
She stared up at Ulquiorra. To everyone else, he appeared cold, emotionless. But she could tell, she could see the minute changes in him: the way his eyes softened the tiniest fraction, the thinning of his lips, the stiffness of his jaw. She knew it must be as hard on him as it was for her.
She nodded, her eyes watering. She glanced at Szayel, who offered her an encouraging smile. She smiled back before turning towards her friends, the tears she held back slipping down her cheeks as the Espada and Shinigami disappeared.
Chapter 15 Teaser: "I, the Gotei 13 and the Central 46 have decided what to do with the Ex-Espada." He paused.
An: So…tell me what you think so far! What do you think of the fight scenes? I'm horrible at them ^^ I feel I don't portray Yamamoto very well but w/e…and Szay is out of character too…but again w/e lol
What do you think of Orihime's newfound reiatsu?
What about Szayel's feelings for Orihime that Ulquiorra is finally realizing the scientist has?
What do you think of the interactions between Ulqui/Hime? Wasn't too fluffy was it? Lol