Chapter 7: Bracelets and Bruises
Warning: I apologize. This chapter starts out deceptively sweet but takes a rather dark turn later which seriously boarders on the T/M rating line. There's a bit of language and abuse involved, but it's needed. Please don't be offended by what you read later ^^;
Tia looked back over her shoulder for what seemed like that umpteenth time and sighed. The Tercera was known for her unwavering patience. She had to have patience for all the innuendo and advances on her body she had to put up with, especially from a certain Espada. However, the child seemed to be taking her sweet time in following. Or maybe it was just the child's short legs versus her adult ones. Either way, it was beginning to wear on her.
"Hurry up child." She scolded slightly, he lip tipping up as the child appeared to take the reprimand at heart as she jumped and ran quickly to catch up. "Come on, it's not much further." Tia said in a light tone once the child was by her side.
"Okay Lady!"
"Tia." She corrected.
Little Hime frowned but said nothing as they had come to a stop at the large door. Tia pushed it open and gestured for the girl to go inside.
"Halibel-sama!" a feminine voice squealed from inside.
"You're back from the meeting early!" Another voice said happily.
As Little Hime walked inside a third voice said, "That's not Halibel-sama."
Little Hime looked around and spied the owners of the voices. One of which who had midnight blue hair and a red ring around her left eye, was kicked back on the sofa in the middle of the room. Another dark skinned Arrancar was sitting at a vanity. The third who had long, straight, black hair, accompanied by even longer sleeves, was peering at her from a window seat from across the room.
"It's that human brat." The one on the couch sat up throwing her legs over the edge, glaring over at the child. "What are you doin' here?"
"She's here to use the restroom." Tia said matter-of-factly as she walked inside the room behind the girl.
"Why ain't Ulquiorra-sama taking care of the human?" the Arrancar at the vanity asked.
"The meeting has yet to be concluded." The Espada informed.
Little Hime looked past the dark skinned Arrancar to the vanity and her eyes bugged. She squealed and ran over to it. She ooed at all the pretty jewelry on the vanity.
Mila-rose smirked. "Hand's off girlie."
Little Hime pouted but continued pouring over the shinies anyway. The vanity was jam packed full of trinkets, necklaces, bracelets and rings all made of various crystals and stone. A discarded box that lay halfway open caught her eye. She was about to reach over and grab it for closer inspection but before she could reach it, her hand was smacked away. She gave a squeal in protest and glared at her attacker.
"What did I just say?"
"Now, now Mila-rose, the child is just looking." Tia reprimanded her Fracción causing the Arrancar to give a pout of her own.
Tia reached over and took the box, tossing the lid aside. Taking out the intricate bracelet, she thrust it at the human girl as if she would rather not touch it longer than she had to.
Mila-rose giggled at her Master's obvious discomfort.
Little Hime looked down at the bracelet, surprised. The length of the bracelet consisted of a thick, shiny, black cord. The cord itself was tied at the ends and was threaded through a handful of polished Arrancar bone and crystallized reishi beads. She beamed up at the Lady. "It's pretty!
Tia snorted, "take it if you like it." She said as she bent down to tie it securely around the child's wrist.
"It's not as pretty as you Lady." Hime said matter of factly.
The Espada started at the child's honesty before allowing herself a small smile. Maybe she could start liking the kid after all.
"But Halibel-sama, Nnoitra-sama will be mad!"
At this Tia snorted again, "Apacci you know better than to think I actually care about what that pervert thinks." She bent down and smiled at Little Hime. "Now, why don't you go use the restroom, that's what you're here for, ne?"
Hime nodded, suddenly feeling the reason she had been brought there in the first place. Scurrying off to the restroom, she left the Espada and her three Fracción alone.
In response to the Espada's careless remark, the Fracción sitting on the window seal pushed off to join the small group. "Will you care if Nnoitra-sama gets angry with the girl for wearing it?" she asked quietly, afraid to overstep her bounds.
"Then I'd have to kill him." She dead panned.
The three Fracción stared at their Master, unsure as to whether she'd been serious or not. They knew that she couldn't stand the Quinta Espada though they never thought she would take it that far. Apacci opened her mouth to question her seriousness when the restroom door opened and the human girl reemerged.
Ignoring her Fracción's stares, Tia motioned for the child to follow and they set off back towards the meeting room.
By the time they arrived, the room was filing out, so Tia crossed her arms and waited patiently against the wall for the Cuatro to emerge, however she was slightly surprised when the Octava Espada joined them. Tia looked down at the child scientist and nodded in greeting.
Szayel returned the greeting almost amiably and settled in on the wall next to them to wait. By now his skin had returned to its usual fair tone and his sinister yet much less intimidating mask was in place. He was still secretly fuming about his earlier embarrassment and going over his plot for revenge when Inoue-chan approached him.
Little Hime beamed up at him, as he was still a good nine inches taller than she.
"Pinky-chan, look at what the Lady gave me! Isn't it pretty?" she asked enthusiastically waving her wrist in front of the miniature scientist.
Szayel stared at the bracelet for a moment, his previous thoughts temporarily forgotten as he inspected the object proffered to him. "Yes, I suppose it does have a certain charm to it, doesn't it?" He smiled down at the child with false warmth before shifting his eyes to Halibel, narrowing them suspiciously. "Do you think it wise to give the child such a gift? Seeing as it was crafted for you only, by a certain Espada? He'd be severely displeased, Ulquiorra-sama as well should he find out."
"Find out about what, Octava?" Ulquiorra asked flatly as he walked out of the room.
Tia sighed, uncrossing her arms to gently lift the child's wrist to show Ulquiorra the intricate bracelet attached. "I gave her this without really thinking about the consequences of doing so, though I'm afraid its too late to take it back now, she rather likes it."
As if to accentuate this fact, Little Hime waved her wrist in the Clowns face, beaming up at him and squealing merrily. "Look at what the pretty Lady gave me! Isn't it pretty!" She was so excited about it. She loved presents; especially pretty little trinkets like the one on her wrist. Despite her obvious happiness at receiving such a gift, her Clown didn't look happy. In fact he looked angry, his normally calm aura turbulent. Reluctantly, Little Hime withdrew her wrist, a frown marring her once delighted face.
"That was not very wise Tercera. Should a certain Espada see this he would be most displeased and most likely take his anger out on my charge." He stated this icily, his green orbs narrowing a fraction of a millimeter before turning his gaze back to the child. "You will take that off."
Little Hime pouted up at him. "You don't like it?"
"No I do not. Take it off."
"But I don't want to!"
Impatient, Ulquiorra reached for her wrist, ready to rip it off himself, though before he could do so the child darted behind his superior and peeked out from behind her, a glare on her face.
Tia chuckled at the child's reaction, and the similar glare the duo currently wore. "It looks as if your personality is rubbing off on her, Ulquiorra-sama."
Szayel grinned up at the Tercera, silently congratulating her on a barb well done while he attempt to old back the chuckle the threatened to escape.
"What?" Ulquiorra tore his gaze from the petulant child at stare oblivious at the Octava and Tercera.
"Nothing, Ulquiorra-sama." Tia said innocently, smirking at him.
"Fine. Let it be known that should anything befall the child as a result of your 'gift' the punishment will fall on you." Ulquiorra turned on his heel and strode off, unamused by the entire situation and new threat it presented. "Come child."
Little Hime looked at him as he walked away, the pout back on her face, torn between staying with the pretty Lady and following after her guardian.
Tia sensed the child's reluctance and pushed her forward lightly by her shoulder. "Follow him child, before he gets even grumpier." She said this quietly so that the retreating Espada couldn't hear her.
Little Hime nodded up at her understanding, a smile reappearing on her face. "Okay Lady!" She lunged forward and grabbed onto her hakama and hugged her legs before running off. "Love you bye bye!"
Tia watched her go, shaking her head bemusedly. "That child is crazy."
Szayel nodded in agreement before excusing himself. "Indeed. If you'll excuse me I must catch up, there is something I must inquire of the Cuatro regarding the cure." He said this smoothly, lying through his teeth as he sonidoed off, reappearing several yards behind the duo.
"Ulquiorra-sama, if I may have a moment of your time?" Szayel asked respectfully, standing with his hands clasped behind his back.
Ulquiorra paused, turning his head a fraction to look at the child scientist with his peripheral vision indicating that he had his moment.
Little Hime stood beside him, looking between the two expectantly.
"I was wondering if you would assist me. I am curious as to what effects this temporary disability will have on my power and abilities. I was hoping you'd take a little time and spar with me, so that I may test them out." He waited, inwardly anxious. He'd never admit it out loud, but secretly the Cuatro had always intimidated him. The thought of seriously sparring with him...was not something he'd thought he'd ever consider before.
Ulquiorra looked bored as he replied, his tone indifferent. "Why can't you find another to help you? I am busy." He wasn't, not really. It wasn't difficult to watch and care for a child, he just didn't want to participate in one of the Octava's experiments.
"Ah. I thought you may ask that. Unfortunately, you're my only option, the only one I could remotely rely on not to seriously harm me during the duel. As you well know, Aizen-sama needs me to find the cure for the child. Should some disastrous fate befall me that would become difficult, if not impossible." He said this at length, going quiet to allow his superior to respond. It was a difficult argument to refute. They both needed him.
"And why is it so important for you to learn this now?"
Szayel laughed mockingly, surprise written plainly on his face. "Ha! You of all people should realize Ulquiorra-sama. How would you feel if you were in my place? It would be a cruel, cruel fate to go into battle ignorant only to find out then that your power had been weakened or completely disappeared? This ignorance is a weakness, one I will not permit to exist. I must know how far this accident has disabled me."
Ulquiorra nodded, conceding his point reluctantly, though his eyes simmered at the mocking disrespect his subordinate displayed. "And? If your power is gone. What would you do? If it becomes permanent you may lose your rank as an Espada."
A shadow crossed Szayel's face at the thought though it quickly disappeared beneath a sure, arrogant mask as he drew himself up to his full height of forty-six inches. "This will not be permanent and I will take…precautions. So what say you, Ulquiorra-sama? Will you assist me in ridding myself of this exploitable weakness? This…distasteful ignorance, I currently possess."
Ulquiorra stood there silently as he contemplated his answer. It was true he would not harm the Octava, but that didn't mean he would assist him. Yes, an exploitable weakness was something that he'd never permit, but as it wasn't his weakness, it wasn't his problem. However, as he was about to answer he felt a rough tugging coming from the left side of his hakama. He looked down to find Little Hime vying for his attention.
"Can I go play with Pinky-chan? Pleas!" She looked up at him with big watery eyes.
Ulquiorra closed his own eyes with a sigh, those damnable eyes again, the ones he's seen earlier that morning when the child had come to him with a nightmare tailing her. He could deny her, but it would be so much simpler not to.
Szayel looked upon the duo with interest, unclasping his hands from behind his back as he cocked a hip. He crossed his arms before he readjusted his glasses and watched in disbelief as Ulquiorra closed his eyes in a sigh.
Without saying a word, the Cuatro Espada turned around and walked right past Szayel, heading towards the training center. 'The things I am doing for this girl…' After several moments he paused to glance back over his shoulder to see Szayel rooted to the spot in disbelief and the child running after him, a huge smile plastered on her face.
"Coming?" He asked of the Octava.
'It seems as if I'm not the only one the child is starting to have an affect on. Myself, Halibel…Ulquiorra. Who next?' Szayel thought as he turned on his heel and followed after the Cuatro Espada with a burst of sonido. When he appeared along side the Espada, the child gave out a squeal of surprise, causing Szayel to grin. To outsiders, it may seem as if he was attempting to show off to the girl, though the truth was far from it. Earlier he had been pleasantly surprised to find that he was still able to use that particular ability, and continued to do so. He had just used it to catch up to the Espada as he refused to give him the pleasure of seeing him attempt to catch up indignantly on such short legs. Now, his curiosity was piqued and he wanted to find out if he would continue to be able to use his other abilities in this form as well.
The trio continued for several minutes without interruption until they were nearing an unusually small, plain, metal door.
Without waiting, Ulquiorra pulled the door open and strode inside the training facility, Szayel and Little Hime falling in directly behind him. Turning toward the child he kneeled down in front of her to make sure he had her attention before pointing over to the wall near the door.
"Stand there." He said this in firm don't-question-me voice.
She stared up at him and pouted, "but I wanna play too!"
Fortunately for Ulquiorra, Szayel took this opportunity to speak up and stole Little Hime's attention for himself as he leaned forward and peered at her, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Clown and I are going to go play. If you be good and stand by the wall, we can do something fun later, okay Inoue-chan?"
He grimaced slightly as she beamed up at him, excited by what the mysterious 'fun' would be. His intent was to get her to his lab and run a few screenings on her, but now…He sighed and turned away from her, facing the Cuatro as he waited for her to stand by the wall.
Ulquiorra watched as the miniature Espada faced him from several feet away. The Octavas face was drawn and he could discern a flicker of trepidation from behind his eyes. As well as it should be, the child scientist was facing off with the fourth most powerful Espada in Las Noches.
"What is it you intend to do, Octava?" Ulquiorra asked, his voice flat and unconcerned.
"Ah. I need to test my physical strength, agility, dexterity, and endurance. After that I need to analyze the power of my reiatsu. Such as how powerful my cero blasts currently are, if I can release and what abilities I am able to use then." This was said with a nonchalant air, as if his heart wasn't beating erratically at the thought of facing off with the Cuatro Espada. As if he wasn't replaying again and again in his mind the various ways he could die at the hands of his superior.
Szayel took a deep breath and cleared his mind, knowing he was being completely irrational. Ulquiorra wouldn't purposefully harm him, he couldn't. It was at this thought that he allowed himself to relax, his calm mask falling into place.
Ulquiorra watched this as well, completely detached and still slightly bemused as to why he was participating. It wasn't as if the scientist posed much of a threat, if anything, the events that unfold may be somewhat amusing, and he wouldn't even have to do anything.
"Also, I'd prefer if you did not reveal anything you might see here to the iothers/i. I'm catching enough grief over my predicament as it is, they don't need to know just how far…this accident, has…disabled me. There are those that would gladly—." He cut off and looked away from the Cuatro, folding his small arms across his chest to push his oversized glasses back up the ridge of his nose, his cheeks tingeing pink. There were some things best left unsaid.
"Even so," he continued, "If they tried, they'd live to regret it. As would you, should anything learnt here leave this room." He returned his gaze to the Cuatro, his amber eyes fierce and expression threatening; or as threatening as one could make a child glare.
"I have no intention of revealing anything that may inadvertently harm you. As you pointed out earlier, Aizen-sama needs you to find the cure for the child. Should you come to harm, that would be delayed or made impossible."
Suddenly Ulquiorra appeared before Szayel, his eyes cold, dispassionate and glaring down at him. "However that does not give you the right to speak to your superiors in such a threatening manor." He shot his arm out, lightening quick, aiming to knock the Octava back though not seriously injure, however the child scientist had disappeared, having sonidoed behind the taller Espada.
Szayel laughed, a sound that was unnervingly melodious yet would have sent chills down the spines of any lesser beings had they been present.
"It seems I still have my agility." He said this smugly, a cheshire grin on his face and hands laced behind his back. It didn't come as much of a surprise to him; after all, he was a good two feet shorter than his original height, maybe a bit more. It would make sense for his agility to have increased. As he waited for the emotionless Espada to turn and face him once more, he excitedly wondered what else, if anything, of his power and abilities have improved. Never one to let his guard down, Szayel tensed, ready to spring away should he strike once more; when Ulquiorra turned slowly to face him, his amber eyes narrowed expectantly.
Ulquiorra stood there, his face its usual mask and hand in his pocket while he silently reevaluated the child Octava before him. It had appeared that with his decrease in size, his agility had increased as well, though whether instinctively or by some hunch, he knew his power would not be the same.
Quietly, he withdrew Murcielago, secretly enjoying the look of surprise that flitted across the smaller Espada's face as he did so; reveling in how the small child scientist's skin paled at the realization of what he was truly up against. Yes it was true Ulquiorra's Aspect of Death was Emptiness. Sometimes however, he felt he was more suited to Despair, the Quinta's Aspect. And as he watched comprehension dawn upon Szayel Aporro Granz face, he was reminded of this fact.
Without warning he was upon the Octava, swinging Murcielago down at half force.
Szayel didn't have time to move, all he could do was react as fear and adrenaline coursed through him. Reflexively he withdrew Fornicarus and blocked the fierce attack…only to be thrown back fifty feet and smack into the sekki sekki stone wall. His grin was gone now, instead replaced by a grimace as he fought to remain conscious and evaluate what had just happened.
His entire body felt bruised and battered. His head pounded where it had smacked the wall behind him and as he blinked open his eyes, it seemed he'd made a crater in it. He pursed his lips, grabbing Fornicarus which lay discarded at his side and pushed himself out of the rubble, though he couldn't help but release a pained groan as he did so. That one attack from the Cuatro…it was all that was needed for him to deduce that if he hadn't blocked when he had, he might be dead right then; even though he could tell his superior was holding back. Szayel's power…it was halved. He should have been able to hold his ground with the amount of effort he put in it. His reaction was instinctive after all, his power fueled and boosted by adrenaline. Yet he'd been flung fifty feet into a wall.
The realization felt like a lead weight settling in the pit of his stomach.
Szayel hobbled over to the Cuatro with as much dignity as possible before stopping several yards ahead of him. He met his superior's eyes almost defiantly. Just because he had the appearance of a child and his power halved in this form, did not mean he was any less of an Espada. Though reluctantly, he would admit to himself he did ask for that lashing. Threatening the Cuatro was never the best idea under any circumstance; and it was at this thought he barely inclined his head in acknowledgement, conceding his superiors point and reprimand, as much as it pained him and his pride to do so. He was in no position to argue the point anyhow. Not in his vulnerable weakened state.
The thought caused his defiant gaze to harden, the cruel reality of his situation settling in upon him. If anyone found out he couldn't defend himself in this state…well, nobody could find out, he wouldn't give them the opportunity to. He'd have to play it safe, stay in the confines of his laboratory working on the cure. There, he was protected. Nobody could take advantage of his weakness. Drawing a deep breath, he resolved himself to his temporary fate and waited for Ulquiorra to indicate he was ready to continue.
Ulquiorra brushed off the reluctant admittance his subordinate displayed and instead sheathed his sword, ready to leave. Though it was obvious from his subordinate's body language and attitude he wished to continue on. However, it was unsafe for the girl to be there. To be in the presence of such spiritually empowered beings that were, for lack of a better term, sparring. As the girls designated guardian, it was his obligation to prevent accidents from occurring.
"If that will be all, we must be going. It is not safe for the child to be here."
He made to leave but was stopped when the Octava held up a hand, asking him to wait.
"I agree with you that it is unsafe for our guest to be here, however, I have two more things I'd like to test before you leave. I must release and test the power of my cero, and analyze the power of my special abilities, if you'd allow me to."
A flicker of impatience crossed Ulquiorra's face at these words. He didn't want to wait. He didn't want to help the scientist in his experiment to begin with, yet he had, as it made the child easier to deal with; being agreeable to her whims. Yet the longer he stayed there, the more likely something would befall her, and the blame would be squarely placed on him.
He glanced over at his charge who watched them closely; her eyes alight with interest and excitement; though a small pout had formed on her lip. Whether because they had stopped, or because he'd sent the Octava flying, he couldn't tell.
Sighing inwardly he turned back to the scientist and nodded his head, indicating he should continue. He silently swore that if anything should happen to his charge because of this, he would have 'words' with the child scientist later.
He watched as the Octava released, merging with Fornicarus without his usual prerelease show. He noted this with something akin to amusement in his green orbs.
Like all Arrancar, after they were created, their names revealed and their zanpakutous materialized. They were required to release and demonstrate their power to Aizen-sama. Szayel Aporro's release had been quite interesting. At that particular moment of their existence, they all released instinctively, the transformation unhindered by the unique personalities they had prior to their transformation which were regained soon after.
Szayel Aporro had done what had come naturally to him and instinctively swallowed his sword with ease. The display and result there of was quite enlightening as to his character as an Arrancar. As a result, he was often the source or target of cruel, lewd and suggestive barbs along with many jokes and rumors that circulated the ranks of the Arrancar frequently. Ulquiorra watched as the Arrancar turned himself into a recluse, finding sanctuary in his laboratory and solace in his work, far away from the harassing treatment of his superiors and subordinates.
Now that he was a child, at least in body, his 'comrades' were once again finding entertainment at his expense. If Ulquiorra were capable of such an emotion, he would almost pity the scientist, if not for his arrogant display earlier.
When the Octava emerged, amoeba-like wings fully grown and having completely foregone his sword swallowing technique, he seemed almost humbled. His characteristic grin was gone, his amber eyes no longer shining with amusement. Ulquiorra made no comment on this change, deciding that having been overpowered so easily made the Octava realize just how vulnerable he currently was.
Ulquiorra took a slightly more defensive stance, his legs spread shoulder width apart and right foot placed a foot back and hand stuffed securely in his pocket. "I am ready to continue when you are, Octava."
Szayel nodded curtly, meeting his superiors cool gaze with his own simmering one as he took his stance. His body thrummed with energy, the stagnant air of the training room alighting upon the feelers and flexible rubbery substance that made up his wings sending him an array of information ranging from room temperature, wind direction and reishi pressure. Not to mention the mere iair/i that hit them was stimulating, making him increasingly uncomfortable. As an adult, he could ignore and suppress the feelings, the urges that surged within him as he took this form; the need that pooled within him. Now however, he couldn't even prevent the flush that slowly yet steadily creeped up his pale cheeks.
Frustrated with himself and his entire situation in general, he glared, leveling his arm out in front of him, his hand lax and lazily pointing towards his superiors hollow hole. He hesitated a moment, unsure if he really wanted to find out the extent of his disability. However he immediately discarded this thought and his doubt, charging a faint pink cero at the tip of one finger. It was one thing to be ignorant, and something completely different to remain willfully ignorant. Szayel wasn't ignorant, he wasn't naïve, and he wasn't a coward. Not when faced with the opportunity to broaden his vast expanse of knowledge. No matter what said knowledge was, he'd face it with an open mind, even if it pertained to his vulnerability. iEspecially/i in regard to his vulnerability.
Pursing his lips, he made to release the now fully charged pink cero when a shrill scream echoed through the room. Startled, he released it except it missed its mark completely; where it hit he wasn't sure. What he was focused on right then was the fact that the Quinta had appeared and was now holding the child six feet off the ground by her throat.
'He wouldn't dare,' Szayel thought in disbelief. Yet he had. Nnoitra's face was umpassionate, cool, yet his eyes were alight with barely suppressed rage. Szayel could see his fingers tighten around the pitifully small neck in his grasp, the owner of which was clawing in vain at his hands; her little face red and tear streaked. Szayel narrowed his own eyes, a rage of his own boiling up from within that the Quinta dare lay a hand on their guest, a child. He knew the Quinta was a slimy character but really one had to draw the line somewhere!
Szayel was there in a flash of sonido, appearing alongside Ulquiorra, whose face was as expressionless as the Quintas. This unnerved Szayel slightly, how eerily similar the two could be at times.
Nnoitra glanced at them casually, as if their presence annoyed him, expression finally gracing his features in the form of a sneer.
"Really not smart of ya ta be sparrin' around Pet-sama. Somebody could get hurt."
"Put her down, Quinta." Ulquiorra ordered in a cool, demanding voice the brooked no argument. Ulquiorra was rewarded with an incredulous glare.
"Now why the fuck should I do that? The little bitch stole the bracelet I gave ta Tia!"
Szayel's amber eyes glimmered, a grin spreading across his face as he responded in Ulquiorra's stead.
"Inoue-chan didn't steal the bracelet from the Tercera. It was gifted to her. Tia didn't seem to want it if I do recall correctly."
This caused the Quinta's disdainful mask to crumble, his faced reddening with rage and humiliation as he attempted to sputter out a reply. Unfortunately, before he could form a halfway coherent retort, Ulquiorra took over again. Good that he did so too, as the child had finally passed out from asphyxiation.
"Put her down now, Quinta! Aizen-sama will be very displeased should anything happen to our guest!"
Szayel should have anticipated it. The raging fit Nnoitra was in, his embarrassment in front of superior and subordinate; backed into a corner with the threat of their Lord looming over his head. He had no choice but to let go, and let go he did, letting the unconscious child fall the six feet to the ground with a sickening thud.
Szayel was upon her immediately, carefully turning her over, overlooking the vindictive leer of Nnoitra and the accusing glare of Ulquiorra as he gently straightened her throat and airway, silently begging her to breathe. Not hearing anything, he bent down, pressing his ear against her chest to listen for her pulse which hammered erratically. Though he wasn't ready to give the 'okay' yet, her airway could still be damaged, swelling and preventing precious oxygen from reaching her lungs. He moved up from her chest, placing his ear against her mouth to listen intently.
It was very light, but he could feel her faint breath pillow against him, and the very distinct sound of air wheezing through her trachea into her lungs. It was then he let out a sigh of relief he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"She's alright, for now. Ulquiorra-sama, lets take her back to my lab so I can perform a more detailed analysis and administer additional treatment."
Ulquiorra registered the scientists words with an accusing glare which promised vast amounts of pain and discomfort for him should anything serious be wrong with his charge. He bypassed the Quinta, ignoring him completely as he crouched down and carefully gathered up the unconscious child in his arms. He couldn't help but feel partially responsible for her current condition. If he hadn't agreed to aid the Octava, hadn't stayed to see him release, she wouldn't be in the horrendous state she was in.
He felt his anger shift then, blood broiling as his orbs lay threateningly on Szayel, blaming him for the situation entirely. It was his fraccion's fault after all; they had turned the woman into a child. His gaze then traveled to lay upon the Quinta, who had pulled into place his cool, unpassionate mask, and now had eyes only for the child scientist in front of him. Yes, the Quinta was responsible as well, as he—they had all been directly ordered not to lay a hand on their guest. Yet the Quinta did so, because of that bracelet, a bracelet gifted by the Tercera. His anger once again shifted, though by then it was nearly spent. He couldn't find it in himself to be vehemently angry at the Tercera for befitting the 'Princess of Las Noches' with the gift, despite his promise to do so.
He stood, secretly fuming at the both of them and at himself as he slowly tracked out of the training room, Szayel a silent specter at his side.
Szayel, who was promptly stopped by a large hand that gripped his shoulder, painfully halting him. He paled as he felt fingernails dig in through the fabric of his thin jacket, piercing his apparently non-existent hierro and flesh, followed by a teasing voice that came from behind him.
"Where do ya think yer goin' Szayel? You an' I have unfinished business to attend to."
He felt a wave of spirit pressure crash down upon him, making his knees weak and nearly buckle. He experienced the vaguest tinge of fear then, infringing upon the edges of his mind. Before his accident, he might have had a chance against Nnoitra. Now, he was completely vulnerable, his power halved, there was no way he could free himself from him, let alone defend himself...or…fend him off. Surely Ulquiorra would know this? He swallowed harshly as he raised his amber eyes and met green orbs, silently pleading with his superior for the help he knew wouldn't come. After all, it was Szayel's fault his charge was injured and unconscious. Why would the Cuatro help him? This assumption was reaffirmed as Ulquiorra looked down his nose at him, only to turn away, his cold voice echoing in his ears.
"I'll be waiting at the lab."
A/N: No more teasers, sorry. I haven't been writing ahead to do them D:
Sorry for the cliffy. I'm really bad at those aren't I? hehehe.
So what happened to Szayel? Well. It's a dark chapter. It's…all insinuated. And…if you wish to know the details I have a short multi-side fic I will be putting out that corresponds with the Touch universe and storyline. Its /extremely/ dark and disturbing and if your not at least 18, don't read it. Please.
That said, I'd like to apologize for the 2 month wait…I just…fell out of love with this pairing and into love with others. For a while I just couldn't see myself writing Ulquiorra anymore, especially after role playing/writing characters like Nnoitra, Szayel and Tia. I found Ulquiorra absolutely boring.
As such…Szayel and Hime will become more involved with each other. Szayel will become a third main character, and the genre of the fic is going to change. I don't really plan to 'pair' any of them (not yet anyway). They'll develop…interesting relationships. That is all.
I know I promised I wouldn't make this a SzayHime fic, but its pretty darn close to being so. UlquiHimeSzay if anything. I just couldn't see myself finishing it without writing more Szayel, he makes this fun *shrugs*
The genre from this point forward will be friendship/humor + mild angst. I'm going to try to keep it happy and keep the angst centered in the other fic, but there will be some here, and it will serve to strengthen their odd relationships.
Now I apologize for this huge authors note and hope you stick with me through my not-so-great writing =)