Super Duper Extra Long Chapter! Enjoy!
How Orihime managed to get home, she wasn't sure. Her memory went fuzzy after she parted with Ulquiorra. All she remembered was collapsing to the concrete, arms encircling her and waking up on her futon at home, alone, slightly fatigued but no worse for wear.
Her first thought upon awakening was, I wonder what happened to Ulquiorra and the others? She frowned, vaguely remembering that they would be at Uruharas. She knew Uruhara wouldn't let anything happen to them, but she couldn't help but worry.
Pushing herself from the futon, she stripped down and walked into the restroom, drawing a hot relaxing bubble bath.
She looked into the mirror, looking past her reflection out into space, ignoring her still slightly battered body. It felt so surreal to be home, almost as if nothing had happened. But she knew that was not true. They had just won the Karakura Town War. Aizen lost, though many of the Espada escaped. In truth, the only Espada she knew of that was truly dead, were Nnoitra and Aaroneiro.
Luckily none of her comrades were killed, though several were seriously injured.
Are things supposed to go back to normal now?
The next day was a Tuesday. She had to go to school, as much as she didn't want to. She didn't want to face her friends and have to lie about where she'd been, especially to Tatsuki.
She couldn't face Ichigo or the others. They knew, they saw it with their eyes, how much she had grown to care for the two Espada, especially the green eyed one.
They knew she didn't want to be rescued either. She had told them in a fit of frustration that she didn't want to be rescued, had pretty much asked them not to be there, even though she was their friend.
How could she live with the guilt? She had betrayed them, fallen for the enemy and then cursed them when they arrived to rescue her.
What kind of friend was she?
She slid down into the tub, the hot water soothing her. She gingerly touched her face, which was still slightly swollen from Nnoitra's and Aizens attack. How would she explain that? The only other person that knew was Ichigo. He wouldn't tell her friends. It would just be one more thing she'd have to lie about. She wished she didn't have to lie, but she didn't want to relive the events of the past couple weeks either, especially that event, or the ones pertaining to Aizen. She shuddered at the thought of his cold hard lips, his face haunting her mind.
If it hadn't been for Ulquiorra, or Szayel, Aizen would have destroyed her and possibly more.
Ulquiorra…
Closing her eyes she felt out with her mind, in much the same way Ulquiorra did and sought out the reiatsu of the three Espada; she couldn't feel them. She knew she wouldn't. They were underneath Uruhara's shop after all, inside the specially built training grounds that hid any reiatsu within.
She frowned, wishing, hoping that nothing bad had happened to them. They were all there because of her after all. All had given up their home, their lives, for various reasons that all circulated around her.
She thought about that and sighed at herself. They certainly wouldn't appreciate her moping around all withdrawn and depressed.
She stood up and dried off and tried to smile, it was half hearted. She growled in exasperation. Toweling herself off, she put on her pajamas before laying out her uniform for tomorrow. She glanced at the smaller version of Ulquiorra's uniform she had draped over a nearby chair. She thought she would toss it in the trash but the more she looked at it the more it reminded her of him, the more she wanted to keep it. Maybe I could have it dry cleaned and fixed up so I could wear it? She laughed weakly, turning the lights off and closing her eyes.
She was running down a stark white hallway, her bare feet slapping against the floor and her gown whipping out behind her. She zigzagged around corners, constantly peering over her shoulder. He was chasing her. She had to get away! Sweat broke out on her brow as she pumped her arms faster, her mind working frantically as she tried to think of a way to escape. Rounding another corner she saw an exit, she saw the sand and the moon. Pounding leaden legs harder she flew past the doors out into Hueco Mundo, only to be stopped by a tall lean shinigami with silver hair and an eerie smile, who waved at her. "No!" she stopped and turned around, but as she made to retreat, she ran into Aizen, who was staring down at her, his hand out at his side, the other in his pocket. She turned around again, panicked when suddenly a black box enclosed her in darkness. Instantly she felt what seemed like spears of molten lead piece her every inch of her body and then she was falling…
She cried out sitting bolt upright in bed, her sheets soaked with sweat and her heart thumping madly. Tears streamed down her face as she realized it was just a dream.
She stood up shakily, a wave of nausea hitting her, though she forced it down, heading to the kitchen for a drink of water. She jumped at every shadow, every odd creak or whisper of the wind. She couldn't get the images and feelings out of her head, the hallways, the stone beneath her feat, that grin, darkness and stabbing pain…she shuddered, bracing herself against the sink, doing her best to ignore the tightening in her throat.
I have to get over this. I am stronger than this! I am stronger than them! They are dead!
She closed her eyes momentarily before pushing herself off the sink and leaving the kitchen before finally deciding to head back to bed.
She lay there for what felt like hours. Physically and mentally exhausted, she would finally feel the grip of her conscious falling away into sleep when suddenly either Gin or Aizen's face would flash through her mind, startling her awake again. Making her adrenaline flow and heart beat painfully in her chest.
Eventually her body gave out on her, and she fell into an uneasy sleep.
The next day she went to school. She put on a fake smile and tried to be her normal self, jokingly lying through her teeth when her friends asked where she had went for two weeks. She told them she had visited a long lost cousin in a desert somewhere.
They bought it, and a little piece of her soul died. She wished she didn't have to lie, especially about Ulquiorra, especially to Tatsuki.
The day passed quickly with Ichigo and her friends being especially nice and careful around her. Always asking how she was and if they could get her anything and never ever mentioning Hueco Mundo or Ulquiorra. She tired of it very quickly. She hated being treated like she was made of a brittle crystal, ready to crack or shatter at the slightest touch.
As soon as the ending bell rang she was gone and ran home.
That night she couldn't sleep. Her dreams were a maelstrom of faces and events, some real, some fabricated. Some seemed as real as her previous vision of Ulquiorra.
Some points she'd awake up in a cold sweat, the faces of Nnoitra, Aizen or her Father at the forefront of her mind.
Other times she'd wake herself up sobbing, tears streaming from her eyes, having seen Ulquiorra or Szayel executed or murdered.
It got to the point where she'd keep herself awake by pacing back and forth or sitting in a cold bath.
It got worse as the days passed, she was getting more and more worried and stressed, wondering what would happen to two Espada, never being able to sense their reiatsu, always doubting if they were really at Uruhara's or not.
Her time passed agonizingly slow. She'd go to school and put on a happy face. Her friends would tip toe around her and she'd become more and more withdrawn, sometimes ignoring them completely, her mind on only one thing: Ulquiorra.
Come Monday morning around 3Am, she was sitting on the seat next to her window, staring out at the stars, there was no moon.
She had bags under her eyes and her skin had grown pale, she hadn't been eating right either. She hadn't eaten right since going to Las Noches.
She had just had another nightmare, and this time Ulquiorra had disintegrated right before her very eyes, similarly to the way his wings disintegrated after Aizen had attacked him with Kido.
She leaned her forehead against the cool glass of the window and cried herself back into an uneasy sleep.
She woke up only two hours later with a creak in her neck. It was nearly 5:30am, she decided to get ready. She would rather have something to do than just sit there and worry.
Dressed and ready to go, she by passed breakfast once again and went outside, walking in the dark as the sun slowly rose towards Karakura High.
She arrived an hour early and took her seat, folding her arms in front of her to lie her head down, her eyes drifting shut and mind blissfully blank.
Soon the class began to fill, her friends arrived with their usual, "Good morning Inoue-san!"
She ignored them, wishing they'd actually use her first name for once.
After several more minutes the Sensei arrived and took roll before making an announcement to the class.
"Good morning everyone! We have a new student joining us today! A Mr. Szayel Aporro Granz is it?"
Orihime's head snapped up and her eyes widened as he bowed before the class, his pink hair dangling in front of him. Many of the boys made comments about the ridiculous color, but he ignored them. Instead his eyes raked the classroom finally landing on Orihime's, he smiled at her. He looked to be about her age. His eyes were the usual amber, hidden behind a pair of rectangular white glasses and his upper lip purple as well.
Ichigo and Ishida glared daggers at him, wondering why the hell he was there.
"Ok Mr Granz –"
He held up a hand, "Please call me Szayel." He said in a slightly condescending tone.
Orihime grimaced.
The Sensei looked at him slightly taken aback, "Ok. Szayel, would you please have a seat, I'm afraid there's only a few spots open."
He bowed to her, "Thank you, Sensei," before making his way down the isles to sit directly to the right of Orihime.
She stared at him wide eyed.
"It's good to see you, Orihime." He whispered in her ear.
The Sensei started the morning's instruction.
Orihime wanted to ask him where Ulquiorra was, but she thought that would be rude, so instead she just stared at him, wide eyed, in shock.
He feigned a hurt look, making her smile, before turning back to the front of the room and pretending to pay attention to the information he already knew.
Orihime tried to ignore him, her mind a whirl of thoughts and emotions. Why was he here, in a Gigai? She completely blanked out everything around her and was startled by a hand on her shoulder. "Break time, Orihime-san." Pink Hair said.
She stared up at him and then past him as her friends converged on them. Her eyes widening, she quickly stood, picking up her bag and taking Szayel's hand. "Umm we'll be right back!" she said to Ichigo and the others dragging the former Espada behind her.
She dragged him outside and around the building, out of site before stopping and throwing her arms around him, glad to see her friend. She felt his body stiffen and she blushed releasing him. "Sorry, I'm just so happy to see you! Why are you here?" she asked.
He coughed and straightened his shirt. "I'm just testing a new Gigai that the Shinigami created for Espada."
"Oh? A Gigai for Espada?" she asked.
"Yes! Unlike normal Gigai though, this one does not slowly eat away at your reiatsu and completely seals our reiatsu so that we do not attract unwanted attention." He informed excitedly.
"Um…so you're the test subject?" Orihime stifled a giggle.
Szayel glared at her. "Do you have to put it so bluntly?"
She laughed waving a hand at him, "I'm just teasing you!"
He glared at her half heartedly.
Orihime was oblivious. "So what happened, are they going to let you live in the human world?" she asked excitedly.
He sighed and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, "About that…we still haven't received word as to the Captain Commander's decision on the subject."
Orihime looked crestfallen. "I know how Soul Society is when it comes to balance, but…I hope they make an exception. Just this once…after all…you guys did finish off Aizen."
He nodded. "We are…hoping for the best." Pausing, he took a moment to take in Orihimes gaunt appearance. "Are you okay Orihime? You'd don't look well." He asked, approaching her and placing his palm on her forehead.
She held up her hands, surprised, "No no Szayel I'm fine, really."
He narrowed his eyes and stared down at her, crossing his arms, "Don't lie to me."
She sighed, defeated. "Just…dreams. Really bad ones …" She whispered, not meeting his eyes.
His stare turned into one of concern as he approached her, lifting her chin to meet his eyes. "What about?"
Orihime squelched the unusual urge to sigh at him, instead she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, stating calmly, "do you really need to ask?"
"I can only imagine what dreams you're having Orihime." He said, looking away from her. He couldn't help but feel concerned about her, especially after all she'd been through in Las Noches.
"I'm just having nightmares…some are about Aizen, most are about you guys…I'm so worried you and Ulquiorra will be sent back to Hueco Mundo or worse…." She vividly remembered last night's nightmare, where Ulquiorra completely disintegrated to ashes. She shuddered.
"You know very well Yamamoto-san said he would not send us back to Hueco Mundo." He stated bluntly.
"Yea but that doesn't mean they won't send you off to Mayuri in Soul Society either! Or…or…" She didn't want to think about it.
"Listen!" Szayel grabbed her by the shoulders, "Stop being so pessimistic! That is probably what's causing your nightmares! Uruhara-san will not let anything terrible happen. And if Soul Society tries to persecute us or send us back, you know damn well we'll fight it!"
Orihime nodded her head, her eyes filling with tears. She'd just been so worried, she'd been so naïve to think that the Espada would just leave willingly.
She gave Szayel a weak smile and pulled him into another hug, startling the scientist. "Thanks so much, for everything. I wouldn't be here without you." She said weakly.
Szayel stiffened, his eyes widening a fraction. He hadn't expected such a response from the woman. Trying his best to will his Gigai to ignore the warmth of her body and failing miserably, he awkwardly reached around and patted her back.
Lucky for Szayel the warning bell rang, to return to class, causing Orihime to break away from him.
Orihime picked up her bag she dropped and made for the gate.
"Wait, where are you going?"
"I'm going to go see Ulquiorra." She said firmly looking into his amber eyes, daring him to stop her.
He held up his hands in defense, "Hey I won't stop you!" He knew how much the woman and the Forth Espada meant to each other, as envious as he was, he'd never get in the way of that.
Her eyes softened a bit. "And what are you going to do, Szayel?" she asked.
"I'll walk with you, I need to report back to Uruhara-san and give him the data from this Gigai." He smiled, an evil gleam appearing behind his eyes. "He and I are two of a kind, we get along very well." He surprisingly did not resent the shinigami scientist as much as he had thought he would, considering the fact that it was Uruhara who had created the Hogyoku.
"Okay! Let's go!" Orihime said cheerfully, a genuine smile on her face and a glow radiating from her.
His face remained blank as he followed after her to Uruharas. He wondered where he, where they would be, if they hadn't met that woman, if Ulquiorra hadn't kidnapped her or asked him to help with her illness.
The thought of the Fourth Espada made his insides boil. He almost wished he had never accepted the Espada's offer in caring for Orihime. But then again he was thankful he had, because anything, even having feelings he knew would not be reciprocated was better than death…or was it?
No, anything is better than death. As long as I am alive to see her smile, its worth it.
Uruhara watched entranced as the two former Espada sparred before him in his underground training facility, a huge grin cracking across his face. Never in his mind would he have believed that he would ever. EVER have the chance to study one Arrancar—or Espada for that matter, let alone three of them.
The scientist within him begged to break through to the surface and start taking notes, jotting down theories and to describe everything he is seeing, but he was simply too hypnotized.
Sitting down on a rock some ways from the ladder, Benehime at his side, he absorbed every single detail before him.
Grimmjow had released his Zanpakuto, Pantera, and was fiercely battling Ulquiorra, who had released Murcielago.
They were standing a good hundred yards apart now, assessing each other. According to Grimmjow, Ulquiorra far surpassed him in reiatsu and power, though the feline Espada had been undeterred when Uruhara suggest that they spar, in fact, Grimmjow seemed particularly excited by the idea.
He reminded Uruhara of one Kenpachi Zaraki.
It had made him laugh.
"Hey! Ulquiorra-san!" Uruhara called out to the emerald eyed Arrancar. "Why don't you slip into your second release?" He suggested, wanting to see it again.
"I fear that would not be a wise idea Uruhara-san, my reiatsu alone would bring the ceiling down." He said bluntly.
"Don't worry bout that, this training complex can withstand any sort of reiatsu, go all out!" Uruhara yelled.
Grimmjow glanced between the two of them, "Yea Ulquiorra, do it! Maybe one of these days you can show me how to achieve mine, eh?" He suggested hopefully.
Ulquiorra ignored his former subordinate and instead whispered, "Resurrección, Segunda Etapa." He closed his eyes and shivered as fine silky fur rippled out across his arms, torso and legs. His wings elongated and became narrower and his tail whipped out behind him, mindlessly swishing back and forth, as if it had a mind of its own.
Ulquiorra would never admit it, but he took pride in his tail. It was like a third limb for him, amazingly strong and dangerous yet it could be quite gentle and delicate as well. He always took care to never let it touch the ground, as the hairs on it were amazingly sensitive.
He opened his eyes and redirected his gaze over to the scientist, whose eyes seemed to be visually dissecting him.
Ulquiorra inwardly sighed in exasperation. He did not appreciate being the object of attention. He did not want to put up with the shop keepers games, or Grimmjow's antics. He just wanted to get a Gigai so he could go see Orihime, but Uruhara deemed him too powerful a being to test a simple prototype. Instead he asked Szayel to do it, as the pink haired scientist was the least powerful of the three.
Orihime…
The name was constantly floating to the forefront of his mind. He couldn't stop thinking about her. He wanted to see her, though he hadn't asked. He knew the answer already. It was out of the question. This underground facility was the only thing keeping his reiatsu from drawing out every single Hollow in Hueco Mundo to the city.
He had to wait for a Gigai, a Gigai what would completely suppress his spirit pressure and in most aspects, turn him into a human.
He visibly shuddered at the thought. He didn't relish the idea of becoming human, though, if he had to choose between Hueco Mundo, true death, or becoming a human, he would definitely choose the latter.
"Oi! Ulquiorra, we gona do this shit or what?" The blue haired Espada yelled over at him.
Apparently he had gotten lost in thought again, something that was becoming quite common and noticeable with the former Forth Espada.
He nodded at Grimmjow, signaling he was ready.
Ulquiorra watched lazily as Grimmjow sonido'd towards him and casually flicked his tailed at the feline Arrancar sending him flying back into and through several stacks of boulders.
Sighing, Ulquiorra pushed himself off the ground and hovered midair, waiting.
Ulquiorra could never outwardly express how much he enjoyed his second release form. The ability to fly, though it was sub par to sonido, was truly an exquisite experience.
He quirked his mouth up slightly, looking back over at the shop keeper. "So you said this place can withstand any force and any reiatsu?"
Uruhara nodded.
Time to break this facility in then, Ulquiorra thought as he placed his palms together and focused his reiatsu between them before quickly drawing them apart, forming a long, spirit particle dense green lance between them. He looked back over at Uruhara as he hefted the lance up over his shoulder.
Uruhara's smile faulted, just every so slightly. He knew the destructive capability of that ability. He had seen it make a two mile wide crater in fake Karakura Town.
He hoped he wasn't wrong when he said his facility could withstand anything.
Ulquiorra nearly grinned at the shop keeper as doubt washed over his face.
Grimmjow dragged himself out of the rubble, his side slightly sore and bruised, but otherwise ok. He stared out in front of him but didn't see Ulquiorra, not until he looked up into the sky, and then he bout shit himself. Shit! He thought as he saw the green lance speeding towards him. Using all the feline speed and grace he possessed he put on a burst of sonido to get himself the hell out of there before the lance hit.
Still his speed wasn't enough, as the lance hit behind him he was flung roughly towards the ladder and Uruhara, tumbling past them before finally sliding to a stop on all fours.
He straightened himself up and yelled, "HEY WHAT THE FUCK ULQUIORRA! Are you trying to kill me!"
Ulquiorra landed several yards away a top a small pile of rocks. "It was only half strength." He said as if it were obvious.
Uruhara looked at the former Espada skeptically. "ONLY half strength?"
Ulquiorra nodded.
"Okay next time, I'm hooking you up to a bunch of monitors and then you're going to use that at full strength!" Uruhara stated, finally relenting and going into scientist mode.
Ulquiorra narrowed his emerald eyes at him but said nothing.
He was about to return to his original state when his head snapped up and stared at the ladder
The lid to the entrance slid back to reveal the pink haired scientist.
"Welcome back, Szayel-san!" Uruhara called up, his eyes widening as he saw Szayel preparing to jump down from the hole in the roof, roughly three stories up. "Szayel-san I wouldn't do that!" He winced. Too late.
Szayel jumped down, landing lightly on one knee before his comrades and the shinigami. Smiling, he straightened up and brushed off his Gigai. "Uruhara-san, really. This Gigai might hide my reiatsu, but it doesn't get rid of it. I wouldn't be surprised if I could sonido in this." He stated, pushing up his glasses. He turned to Ulquiorra and Grimmjow, inclining his head to them.
Ulquiorra still hadn't removed his gaze from the entrance in the ceiling, he could sense her. Orihime.
"My you're back from school early, Szayel-san." Uruhara noted.
"Yes. I met up with someone, she wanted to come visit." He said, glancing at Ulquiorra.
Uruhara said nothing and instead followed Ulquiorra's gaze.
"Hi Uruhara-san!" Orihime called as she made her way down the ladder.
"Nice to see you, Inoue-san." He replied, his voice unusually firm. "You really shouldn't skip class." He scolded as she hopped down the last few rungs and turned towards the group.
Relief flooded through her, as she caught sight the three former Espada. "Hi everyone." She said quietly, her gaze resting on Ulquiorra whose tail was twitching back and forth in agitation.
"Come Szayel-san, let us go back to the lab and collect the data you've gathered in that Gigai." Uruhara said, making his way up the ladder.
Szayel rolled his eyes and followed, though not before flashing Ulquiorra a rather envious glare.
Grimmjow ran his fingers through his blue hair and smirked, "Cya later Princess." He said, using sonido to jump up through the trap door.
Ulquiorra stared at the woman in silence, taking in her haggard appearance. She had bags and shadows under her eyes. Her skin had a pale pallor and her face appeared thinner, more sunken in than before. He could also tell that her clothing wasn't sitting right, and it hung just too loosely for his liking.
"You haven't been eating, woman." He stated with a flick of his tail, a hint of anger lacing his words.
Orihime blushed slightly, her pallid skin turning a very obvious red. "I—"
"I don't want to hear your excuses, woman."
She slowly approached him. "I've been having nightmares…I've been worried about…all of you."
He glared down at her, saying nothing.
"I'm sorry. I promise I'll take better care of myself…nightmares or not." She smiled weakly up at him. She waited to see if he would say anything or give any confirmation that he would accept her words. She stared at him intently, and was surprised when she felt something fuzzy caressing her cheek, causing goose bumps to breakout across her body.
It was his tail.
She smiled and reached out to touch it but before she could he whipped it away from her. Instead, she found herself being nudged forward by it and before she knew it, Ulquiorra had wrapped his arms and wings around her in a cocoon like embrace.
"Do not ever allow any harm to come to yourself, however unintentional it may be, because of some silly dreams about me. It is unacceptable." He said firmly, squeezing her tight, resting his face in her hair. What is this smell? He thought. She smelled strangely light and sweet, almost fruity, though he couldn't quite place the type of fruit.
Her only answer was to wrap her arms around his waist and to bury her head into his chest. She could feel herself wanting to cry, she was so relieved and so happy, but she refused to. She knew he didn't appreciate her tears.
Sighing, she allowed her hand's to stray, enjoying the feel of the black fur that coated Ulquiorras back. It was fine, almost velvety. She quickly noticed that the tuff's of fur between his shoulder blades was the thickest and silkiest of all.
Ulquiorra stiffened, not used to being touched in such a way. He was used to the battering of fists and slashes of Zanpakuto's against his heirro, but not this. The sensation was all so alien to him, yet it brought about him such warmth and contentment. He closed his eyes and allowed his body and mind to relax.
After several more moments in their embrace, she broke their silence. "So what are you going to do now?"
Resting his chin on her head he thought for a moment. He couldn't, and wouldn't, go back to Hueco Mundo. He had no purpose there. He also didn't want to go to Soul Society. He didn't care if he was outcast, no. What bothered him is the fact that he'd be either killed, or locked up and experimented on. No, his only option was to stay here, with Orihime. "I think my only option—"
Suddenly a bright, white light pierced through the underside of his wings, and the sound of a door sliding open.
Throwing his wings open he and Orihime were shocked to see none other then Head Captain Yamamoto exiting a Senkaimon Gate.
"Head—Head Captain Yamamoto!" Orihime squeaked as she unconsciously squeezed Ulquiorra tighter.
She was about to ask the Head Captain what he was doing here when Grimmjow, Szayel and Uruhara reappeared before them.
"Greetings, Head Captain Yamamoto." Uruhara said, bowing slightly, you could hear contempt laced in his voice.
"Uruhara-san, I suppose you are wondering why I have come before you this evening." The ancient shinigami stated.
Uruhara nodded and Ulquiorra sighed inwardly; it was quite obvious why the Head Captain had come.
"I, the Gotei 13 and the Central 46 have decided what to do with the Ex-Espada." He paused.
Ulquiorra still clutched at Orihime, as if she were the only person in the entire facility. He wished nothing more than to stay with her, regardless of Soul Societies decision.
Grimmjow was anxious, flustered. He kept unconsciously running his hand through his blue hair, and continued to shift back and forth on his feet.
Szayel appeared thoughtful and slightly anxious.
All remaining color had left Orihime's skin, making her already ghostlike appearance seem like nothing more than a shell. To put it mildly, she was absolutely terrified of Soul Societies decision on the matter. She didn't want to lose her new friends, especially Ulquiorra. Although she had only known the Arrancar for less than three weeks, she couldn't help but feel connected to him. Nobody knew him like she did, and vice versa. She stared ahead of her, waiting for Head captain Yamamoto's announcement, unconsciously gripping the black fur beneath her fingers.
"As I had stated previously, I have no intention of sending you back to Hueco Mundo, however, if you wish to do so, that is your decision. All that we ask is that you refrain from returning to the world of the living to prey upon souls or upon making an attempt to continue Sosuke Aizen's regime." He paused for a moment to allow the statement to sink in. When it appeared that nobody was going to make a comment, he continued. "Now, if you wish to stay here, in the world of the living, you must comply with a single condition. That condition is the complete nullification of your reiatsu and abilities."
Orihime gasped.
Immediately Grimmjow started cursing, "What the fuck is this shit? We save your asses from Aizen and now you're going to punish us? Fuck that!" He turned from the group, his fists clenched and red in the face.
Szayel narrowed his eyes. He didn't want to give up his hollow powers, and if he had the option of returning to Hueco Mundo, and hence forth to his laboratories, he would gladly do it. However, he did also wish to remain here and work with the Shinigami scientist.
Ulquiorra's eyes widened a fraction, noticeable to no one except the woman. He looked down at her, his thoughts flying. She was staring in shock at the elder shinigami and he could feel her nails digging into his back, her body shaking.
"Head Captain Yamamoto…isn't there any other way?" she asked quietly, her voice cracking.
She was trying to conceal it, but he could tell she was trying not to cry. Her jaw was clenched and her eyes quivered slightly. Not only that, but she continued to cling to him, despite the fact that they were in the presence of the most powerful shinigami in the worlds, two Espada and a shinigami scientist.
"I'm afraid there is no other choice, Inoue Orihime." The Head Captain said somberly. "This was the only compromise we could agree on. As you well know, it goes against Soul Societies entire system to allow beings such as them to exist within this realm."
"But—"
Ulquiorra cut her off by grasping her chin and turning her face towards his. "I shall comply." He said, surprising everyone.
Grimmjow turned around and stared hard at Ulquiorra, shifting his gaze from him, to the woman and back again.
Szayel's expression remained impassive, he knew that Ulquiorra would pose no argument.
At this Orihime's eyes widened, allowing her tears to finally leak out. She had no words for him. Now he will have truly given up everything for me.
Uruhara watched the odd couple, his own eyes narrowing in thought. He didn't like the corner the old captain had pushed the Espada into. And if they complied, then he wouldn't even be able to gather data on them and their abilities. "Head Captain, how is it that you plan to nullify their abilities?" He asked, curiously.
The Head Captain leaned forward on his cane, "There are two options that were discussed. The first of which being, Inoue Orihime rejecting—"
"I won't do it. I won't betray them like that. Get on to the second option." She hissed, glaring at the shinigami.
Yamamoto inclined his head, acknowledging her decision. "The second option is reiatsu eroding Gigai, such as the kind Kuchiki Rukia had used before being sent back to Soul Society, which will slowly, over time, strip the Espada of their power and abilities, turning them into humans."
"I see." Uruhara said, before reluctantly turning to the Espada. "I could outfit you all with such a Gigai, however I would need a day or so to configure it. These are Gigai meant for shinigami, not hollow. If you were to attempt to use them right now, they would reject you."
The Captain Commander nodded. "So, what say you, Espada?"
"Would you give us time to consider, Head Captain Yamamoto-sama?" Szayel asked.
Once again he nodded. "Yes, I will return to Soul Society. See to it that Uruhara contact's me and informs me of your decision." With that he resummoned the Senkaimon and disappeared.
"Hee."
All eyes turned to Szayel, who seemed to have a mischievous glint in his eye. "Uruhara-san, could we use the prototype Gigai I tested today as a substitute? It completely suppresses our reiatsu making us appear as if we are indeed, weak little humans." Orihime shot him a half hearted glare, which he ignored.
Uruhara nodded, "Yes, we could. However, I do not wish to continue in going against the Head Captains orders, especially not on this matter." He held up his hand to stop Grimmjow from interrupting. "There is no room for argument. Though if it is any consolation, I will allow you to return to this enclosure to roam free of your Gigai whenever you wish; at least until you are no longer able."
The three Espada and the woman appeared deep in thought. Uruhara pursed his lips and scowled. "I feel you three should go through with this. There is still a strong possibility that Aizen had someone escape with the Hogyoku and is at this very moment rounding up the remaining Espada and reforming his army. It is not safe for either of you to return to Hueco Mundo."
Grimmjow snapped out of his meanderings and looked at the shinigami, "and why would you say that?"
"You forget, I am the former master and creator of the Hogyoku. If Aizen had the Hoygoku on him at the time of the attack there is a good chance that the Hogyoku had protected him or made him invulnerable. Was there any time during your fight with him that you could not strike him?" He asked, his brow furrowing.
Ulquiorra nodded. "Yes, even though he was being attacked from three different directions simultaneously, we could not land a single blow."
Uruhara closed his eyes and sighed outwardly. "Just as I suspected. There is a very good chance that Aizen has fled to Hueco Mundo to regroup."
"Then, Uruhara-san," Orihime stepped forward, "isn't that all the more reason to fit them with Gigai that won't weaken them? What if Aizen attacks? They wouldn't be able to help."
Uruhara smiled then, surprised at the woman in front of him. "Your logic is infallible, Inoue-san. You are very correct." He paused for a moment, deep in thought. "What if I fit you with the prototype Gigai that suppresses your reiatsu, however I would have to modify it so that you have zero access to your special abilities and you would not be able to leave them unless I allow you to."
"That would be acceptable." Ulquiorra said. Szayel and Grimmjow inclined their heads in agreement.
Uruhara clapped his hands together, "Good. I will start work on your Gigai and enroll you into school as well."
"What? We gotta go to school, school with that punk ass carrot top shinigami!" Grimmjow huffed. "We gotta be restricted to Gigai, making us like weak humans and…do we really gotta go to a school?" He repeated and swiped a hand through his blue hair.
Orihime beamed, releasing Ulquiorra to bounce up and down in front of Grimmjow, "Oh! I know Grimmjow-san! You should join the Karate Dojo at my school with my best friend Tatsuki! Then you can fight other people in Championships and try and win cool trophies and stuff!"
Grimmjow seemed to perk up a bit at this, "I suppose it's better than going back to that hell hole…maybe it won't be so bad."
Szayel coughed, trying to disguise a laugh.
"And you should join the Science Club Szayel!" Orihime exclaimed, turning to the Pink Haired Scientist, who looked at her as if she must be insane.
"You cannot be serious Orihime?" He shook his head in bemusement before turning to Uruhara, "I think I have plenty to work on here with Uruhara-san as it is, let me assure you."
Ulquiorra let out a light breath he hadn't realized he had been holding and closed his eyes, allowing himself to revert back to his original form.
Orihime glanced over her shoulder, noticing Ulquiorra's change in reiatsu. Turning back to the Shop Keeper, she approached him and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Uruhara-sama, for what you are doing for my friends." She whispered sincerely.
Chuckling he pulled out his fan and hid behind it, "It's nothing Inoue-san! Really, you think too much of me!" Besides, he thought, it's not as if I'm not getting anything out of this. "Well if you'll excuse me, I'm going to head upstairs for tea and to begin working on those Gigai." He made his way up the ladder and paused just before he reached the top, "By the way, I'll need you all to come up so I can take your measurements, that is, except for you Szayel-san."
Szayel nodded, "Please, allow me to join you anyway." He stated and headed towards the ladder, though not before grabbing Grimmjow by the collar and pushing him forward.
Grimmjow was about to protest when he was cut off by a menacing glare and two amber eyes shifting quickly between his and the human standing off behind them. He shook his head, and said nothing as he made his way up the ladder, Szayel following behind him.
Orihime stood motionless, her right arm slung across her chest. She couldn't have been more relieved. Ulquiorra and the other Espada were alright and thanks to Uruhara's ingenuity, they'll be able to stay in the human world without having to become completely human. "Would you really have let yourself become human, Ulquiorra?" she asked, glancing up and looking into his emerald eyes.
"There was no other choice but to comply, I refuse to return to Hueco Mundo." He said, as if it was the only logical conclusion.
"And why do you refuse to return to Hueco Mundo?"
"There is no reason for me to return."
"And what reason is there for you to stay here?"
"To protect you."
Her grey eyes narrowed slightly, "and what if I were to say I don't want your protection?" she asked. She was irritated. She was tired of people treating her as if she were a porcelain doll or something precious that needed to be protected.
He said nothing, though the area in his chest where his hollow hole was began to burn slightly.
She could see the pain whirling beneath his eyes that he was trying so badly to conceal. Guilt panged through her chest. "What if I just want you to be my friend, Ulquiorra? Could you do that?" she whispered. Silently, she knew she wanted more than friendship from the former Espada, though she knew better than to push her luck.
Ulquiorra closed his eyes. Friend…she wants me to be her…friend? She would consider me, her former captor, a friend, someone as dear to her as Kurosaki and the other people that went into Hueco Mundo to rescue her? He couldn't understand her. As much as he longed for her, and for her forgiveness, he knew he didn't deserve either. "I do not deserve your friendship, woman."
Orihime glared and advanced on him, and before Ulquiorra knew it, he was staring down into her angry grey eyes. "That is my decision to make, not yours. You've changed Ulquiorra, whether you realize it, or want to admit. You're not the same person that took me from the Senkaimon to Las Noches. You could have killed me when Aizen ordered you to, but instead you chose to save me! You saved my friends! You saved us all! And now you're saying you don't deserve my friendship, that you don't deserve a second chance?" she whispered. "Well Ulquiorra Cifer…Its time you forgot about your past, and looked to the future. Make of it what you will, but know this, you're my friend, whether you feel you deserve it or not."
She turned from him. He could see her shoulders shaking ever so slightly. He was, for the first time in his hollow life, speechless. He was shocked to the core by the truth of her words. "Orihime.." he breathed. "I apologize, for everything. I would be your friend."
She turned around and smiled at him. "I forgive you, Ulquiorra." She said as she embraced him, conscious of the arms that wrapped around her tentatively, though unaware of the very slight quirk of the former Espadas lips.
Chapter 16 Teaser: Inwardly sighing, Ulquiorra ran his fingers through the left side of his hair for the umpteenth time. I'll never get used to this.
Wee…super duper extra long chapter! Hope it wasn't too fluffy….
I really really hate how I wrote Szayel into this story *head desk* he's so out of character…oh well. lol
I'm so sorry for not updating btw...I'm just a horrible procrastinator...I won't lie :( lol thank you for sticking with me those of you that have!