A/N-This chapter took forever to finish!! Please leave a review telling me how I can improve, or any errors I made. I will try to write characters as in character as possible, but I might have to bend them a little for the sake of the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach

Chapter 7

The Treachery Thickens, the Next Espada Meeting

If it hadn't been for Ulquiorra, Orihime wouldn't have woken up until very much later. She had been absolutely exhausted yesterday, had an awful nightmare in the middle of the night, and had really hoped to sleep in. That plan had been effectively ruined when Ulquiorra entered Aizen's room and woke her up.

"Come. Lord Aizen has requested your presence at a meeting of the Espada."

()()()()()()()()()()()()

Earlier…

The Espada were gathered once more, waiting for their leader. Conversation was sparse at such meetings, as none of the Espada were really friends.

It was Nnoitra who broke the silence that had settled around them. "So, you think Lord Aizen screwed that chick last night?"

All eyes shifted to him. He just grinned.

"You were all thinking it. The girl never returned to her room last night, right Ulquiorra?"

"Yes, but I do not believe such acts have transpired," Ulquiorra responded in a dead tone, trying to sound apathetic. In truth, Nnoitra's word made a hateful anger arise in his chest. It may have been his imagination, but he thought he saw Grimmjow stiffen as well.

"Why do you always have to ruin the fun?" Nnoitra whined," Besides, that's what Aizen said he was going to do."

"You fool," Halibel glared," Lord Aizen is going to marry the girl. It is only your twisted mind that immediately jumps to conclusions with out any proof."

Nnoitra glared back. "I have proof! She was in his room all night."

"Sounds like your supremely jealous, 5th Espada," Szayel sniggered.

"As if. She's got a nice body, but she's annoying as hell."

"And by annoying, you mean stronger than you, right?" Grimmjow sneered.

A low growl erupted form Nnoitra as he stood up, ready for a fight. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Grimmjow smirked. "How's your hand doing?"

Nnoitra subconsciously cradled his burnt hand. "I wasn't trying to hurt her. If I had wanted to, I could have shattered her skull. I just didn't want to."

"Please. I could feel the killer intent choking your spiritual pressure," Grimmjow deadpanned.

Nnoitra clenched his jaw, hating the look of superiority the 6th Espada was giving him. "It was that freaky technique she did."

Szayel looked up, interested now. "What was that new technique she used? It sounds very interesting."

"Indeed it does," Aizen said from the doorway, with Gin and Tousen flanking him. Everyone straightened out at the sound of their leader's voice. "Please tell us more about it, Nnoitra," he continued.

Nnoitra sat down and adopted a bored expression. "She said something, she disappeared for five minutes, then she reappeared, and she was exhausted."

"What did she say?" Aizen pressed.

"I don't remember. Everything she says sounds the same."

"She didn't use a vocal command around me," Ichimaru chimed in," She just started screaming and thrashing. Looked like she was in a lot of pain, and she didn't show up again for four hours, right Szayel?"

Szayel nodded in confirmation.

"I see," Aizen said thoughtfully," And you couldn't break the barrier, Gin?"

"Nope. It's a lot like Negación, actually."

Aizen nodded. He turned back to Nnoitra. "I want you to try very hard to remember," Aizen said patiently, increasing his spiritual pressure. Nnoitra's eye widened.

"It was… something, something… I reject!" he said finally.

Aizen didn't look impressed.

"You know, I just happen to have recorded evidence of the girl kicking Nnoitra's ass with me," Ichimaru said nonchalantly, pulling out a small disk out of his pockets.

Nnoitra growled," You carry it around with you?" He didn't stop to think that Ichimaru had probably saved his life.

Ichimaru grinned. "Or course. You never know when you're going to need blackmail material."

Aizen smiled placidly. "Play the disk, Kaname."

"Yes, Lord Aizen," Tousen droned. He inserted the disk and moved the lever. A blue tinted hologram appeared in the middle of the table. Orihime appeared standing her ground against Nnoitra. All the Espada watched as she attacked, defended, and finally…

"Mutsuten Itenshun, I reject!" she called bravely. The orange cylinder barrier appeared, sending Nnoitra back. She disappeared from sight. The picture blurred from being fast-forwarded. Moments later she reappeared in and orange flash, looking exhausted. She couldn't even hold her arms up. The video cut off.

"I see," Aizen mused," Six Sacred Moving Shield, or location rejection. By doing this, she can break down the spirit particles of her spirit body and rebuild it somewhere else; therefore erasing all traces that she was ever in her previous position. Very interesting."

He thought about this. Location rejection was not what he had been expecting. Quite frankly, it wasn't what he was hoping for either. A thought occurred to him.

"I wonder… if she can move other spiritual items, not just herself," he said, mainly to himself. He contemplated this silently.

"You mean the Hougyoku?" Gin asked. Aizen nodded.

"We'll just have to see," Aizen said finally.

He redirected his attention to the Espada.

"Barragan, Aaroniero, Yammy, Szayel, and Zommari, I will now inform you of your roles in the plan."

Said Espada looked up, ready.

"The girl's friends will no doubt come to rescue her soon, and you will be in charge of killing them. Don't hold back; attack them with all your strength. It is crucial that they don't get in contact with the girl."

"Won't she turn on us when her friends get here?" Aaroniero asked in a deep voice.

Aizen's smile turned a little darker. "She's going to have a rather unpleasant reunion with her friends, courtesy of Kyouka Suigetsu."

Everyone nodded knowingly. Ichimaru laughed lightly.

"Nnoitra, you will also be assisting in the fighting," Aizen continued.

"Sweet, hope their not wimps," Nnoitra grinned. His other role might not have lived up to his expectations, but you couldn't go wrong with fighting, right?

"Their numbers are unknown, but it will probably be four or five, if her friends come alone. Each of you will wait in a designated area, and Gin will send them to you through hallway manipulation. Remember, do not hold back, no matter how weak they seem. Failure will not be tolerated." His voice was dark, a promise of pain unending in exchange for failure.

He added calmly," I'm sure we don't have to worry about that, though."

"Ulquiorra, would you please retrieve the girl from my domain?" Aizen asked.

"Yes, Lord Aizen," Ulquiorra replied, immediately standing to take his leave.

Grimmjow raised an eyebrow. "We're going to let her listen to us plan to kill her friends?"

Aizen smiled maliciously. "Of course not. That would be cruel. I just want to introduce her to all of you."

()()()()()()()()()()()()

Current…

"Come. Lord Aizen has requested your presence at a meeting of the Espada."

Orihime's eyes widened. She felt a strong urge to crawl under the covers and hide forever. She wasn't sure what some of the Espada thought of her, but she definitely didn't want to see the scalpel-happy Szayel or the lecherous Nnoitra.

Ulquiorra sighed. Why didn't this girl do things the first time she was told? Under normal circumstances, he would just threaten her into submission, but these circumstances were far from normal. He had to act like a friend to this girl, after all.

"Halibel will be there. So will Grimmjow and Stark." Ulquiorra said consolingly. Surely Halibel spoke of Stark, after all, the two were supposed to be dating.

Orihime perked up. She wanted to see Halibel again, and she was excited to meet Stark, who was Halibel's boyfriend. Grimmjow was nice too! Plus, Aizen would be there, and he wouldn't let anyone hurt her.

She rose out of Aizen's impossibly comfortable bed. Ulquiorra held out his hand, and she took it. She threw a curious glance at Ulquiorra. Why did he want to hold her hand?

She got her answer when Ulquiorra broke into a brisk walk, dragging her with him. Apparently they were in a hurry. He pulled her closer to him, getting a firm grip on her, he sonido-ed them away.

()()()()()()()()()()()()

Orihime stared at the door to the meeting room as if it might grow teeth and bite her. She would reach slowly for it, pause, then yank her hand back. Ulquiorra was growing annoyed, which was amazing in and of itself.

"Please enter the room. Keeping Lord Aizen waiting is very rude."

She sighed. She spun around so she was face to face Ulquiorra. Maybe it was his imagination, but her eyes seemed larger and her bottom lip was further out than usual. For some unnamable reason, the expression made him feel guilty.

"Ulquiorra, could you please go in first? Please?" she asked.

"Very well. Follow me."

He entered the room first, and she hesitantly followed.

Aizen smiled as Orihime entered the room, legs trembling with fear. She kept her eyes locked on her feet, avoiding eye contact with everyone. She was hiding behind Ulquiorra, as if he was her human shield.

"Welcome, Orihime," Aizen said, causing her head to snap up. He rose fluidly out of his chair and sauntered over to her, placing a hand on her arm.

"You may be seated, Ulquiorra," Aizen said. Ulquiorra sat wordlessly.

Orihime let her eyes wander around the room. The Espada were an intimidating bunch, and she felt very weak in their presence. She was acutely aware of the icy glare Nnoitra was sending her. As for everyone else, they were sending looks of varying interest her way.

"Everyone, please introduce yourselves to our dear guest, in order by rank," Aizen said.

Stark looked up and smiled politely at the clearly frightened girl. "I'm the first Espada, Stark. It's nice to meet you."

Orihime smiled widely. "It's so nice to meet you too!" she gushed," Halibel told me about you!" It's weird, he's the most powerful Espada, but he's really nice! Halibel was right, he is cute!

Halibel said," I am the second Espada, Halibel. We've already met." Orihime nodded cheerfully. Wow! The second most powerful Espada, how amazing!

"Third Espada, Barragan," the older man grunted. Ok, He's old and rude. I'll make a mental note to avoid him.

"Fourth Espada, Ulquiorra. You already know me." Ulquiorra intoned when his turn rolled around. Yes, my cold but kind guardian. Must continue quest to make him smile.

Nnoitra sent a hateful glare right at her. "Nnoitra, fifth Espada," he grit out. Orihime gulped nervously. Ignore him, he can't hurt you here.

"Grimmjow Jaggerjack, sixth Espada. You know me." He sounded bored, but he kept glancing at her with his periph, as if analyzing her. How odd. I should ask him about that later. Man, his last name is awesome. I'm so jealous.

"I am Zommari, the seventh Espada," Zommari said. He's scary. What's up with those horns on his head?

Szayel sighed," My name is Szayel Aporro Granz, and I am the eighth Espada, as well as Hueco Mundo's resident scientist." She stared at him in horror as if he had just admitted to enjoying kicking three-legged puppies. Avoid him at all costs.

"I am Aaroniero, the ninth Espada," the masked thing said in a low voice. What a weird mask. I wonder what his face looks like.

"Yammy, tenth Espada," Yammy introduced, unhappy to have to go last. I remember him. He tried to kill me.

"It's nice to meet you all," Orihime said politely. Awkward silence almost choked the girl. Nobody was sure what they were supposed to say.

"My dear," Aizen said with a small smile," Nnoitra tells me you have a new ability. Would you be so kind as to demonstrate for us?"

She nodded. She glanced around nervously. The Espada were looking expectantly at her. Aizen smiled encouragingly.

"Mutsuten Itenshun, I reject," she said quietly but firmly. Orange encompassed her, and she disappeared.

Silence followed. Everyone glanced around the room, wondering when and where she would reappear. Aizen took this opportunity to study his Espada. Nnoitra was visibly fuming, apparently still upset about being hurt by a girl. It seemed working under Neliel had given him severe self-esteem issues.

Grimmjow seemed uncharacteristically lost in thought. Grimmjow was a doer, not a thinker. Him thinking probably meant he was about to do something incredibly stupid. Would he sneak back to earth again? No, Tousen had taught him well the punishment for that. What was he planning?

An odd silence had settled around them. How strange, Aizen thought. His Espada were so energetic and violent, it was highly unusual for them to be so placid. He turned to Gin.

"Have they always gotten along so well?" he asked quietly.

Gin smiled, as if enjoying an inside joke with himself. "They only get along around you, Lord Aizen. You should see them when you're not around."

Aizen chuckled. That would be quite entertaining to watch. He made a mental note to have Gin record it sometime.

Orange lit up the room, and after four minutes of absence, Orihime made her reappearance. Her legs wobbled slightly, but she wasn't quite as tired as last time. Her eyelids fluttered, anxious to rest, but she forced her eyes open. Los Noches wasn't the best place to close your eyes.

Everyone was staring openly at her. She shifted uncomfortably under the weight of their gazes. She felt exhausted and wanted nothing more than to go back to her room and sleep. She turned to Aizen, waiting for him to give the command.

Aizen smiled at the squirming girl. Her thin shoulders were slouched forward, a sign of her fatigue. He could tell that she wanted to go back to her room and rest. But before he let her go, he had to plant the seed that would make his plan successful.

"Before you go, Orihime my dear, I have a surprise for you," Aizen said in a smooth voice. He walked up to her, so close they were almost touching. Orihime looked at him, her look curious and slightly weary.

"To show my unending gratitude for you being my bride, I have decided to grant you one wish."

Orihime jaw dropped. First she thought of genies. The thought of Aizen going in and out of a bottle was so hilarious that it was all she could do not to burst out laughing. Then she realized what he was saying. She could have anything she wanted. She could wish for Aizen to never harm her friends.

She opened her mouth to speak, but he placed his finger on her lips, silencing her.

"I encourage you to think on this. You may inform me after the wedding," he said softly, noticing how she winced at the word wedding.

"Ulquiorra, would you kindly escort Orihime back to her room?"

"Right away, Lord Aizen," Ulquiorra responded. He rose fluidly out his chair, approaching Orihime. He reached his hand out to her, and she took it, hesitantly. He led her swiftly out of the room, not sparing a glance backwards, even when she let out an indignant squawk from being dragged.

()()()()()()()()()()()()

"Ulquiorra, why are we rushing?" Orihime whined as the Cuatro Espada dragged her through the hallways of Los Noches.

"Ulquiorra? Ulquiorra!" she tried uselessly to get his attention. This was becoming frustrating. Why couldn't he answer her questions?

He opened her door when they reached her room. She entered immediantly, but he hovered in the hallway, staring into the hallway. She opened her mouth to ask him what he was doing, but he silenced her by holding up his index finger.

"Show yourself," he ordered, facing away from her.

Orihime stared at him questioningly. Who was he talking to?

Nothing happened, and Ulquiorra sighed softly. Apparently this won't be easy, he thought bitterly.

"Um… Ulquiorra?" Orihime asked hesitantly, stepping out of her room onto the hallway where he was standing.

He turned around to face her. His emerald eyes silently prompted her to go on.

"Who were you talking too?" she asked curiously.

He sighed again, a habit he had acquired since becoming her guardian.

"I'm not sure. I sense a presence, but I can't distinguish who it is. Whoever they are, they are very skilled at masking their spiritual pressure," he answered calmly. Not so calmly he thought, the presence was also there during the meeting. I doubt anyone else was aware of it, as my Pesquisa is more advanced than any other Espada. Still, there is a chance whoever it is overheard what was discussed at the meeting. That could prove problematic for the plan.

Orihime's eyes widened. "You mean like a spy?" Her face adopted an excited expression. "Does Los Noches have an FBI? Is Zommari 007?"

Ulquiorra wasn't sure what to say to that. This girl made absolutely no sense.

"I saw this great American movie called 'Spy Kids' and it was about these kids whoseparentsarespiesandtheygoonfunadventuresand…"

Ulquiorra's eyes widened. Is it physically possible for humans to talk that fast? It's as if she's saying one long word, he thought.

"…theyfindoutabunchofsecretsandtheymeetaguywhoisevilatfirstbutthenhe'snice.."

Is she seriously still talking? He wasn't sure how much more he could handle. A lesser being would have probably killed her by now, but Ulquiorra prided himself on his steadfast patience. Still, even he had limits.

"…theninthesequelthekidsarespiestooandeveryonegoestoaislandwithwierdcreatures…"

This is just ridiculous.Ulquiorra didn't even think before acting, a rather uncharacteristic move. He pressed his lips against hers, silencing her.

She stiffened initially, but soon her eyes fluttered close, almost against her will. He pressed herself against her, deepening the kiss. His skin was cold, but she felt warmer than she ever had before. As for him, he could feel every beat of her heart hammer in her chest, and the rhythm of it filled him with a strange sense of familiarity, as well as longing.

Orihime wrapped her arms around his waist, bringing them closer together. The strange thing was this was completely different from her kiss with Aizen. With Aizen it always felt as if he was hiding lies behind something sweeter. Ulquiorra didn't hide. He coldly and blatantly stated the facts, laying them out right before her eyes.

I need to stop this, they both thought. Yet neither of them pulled away. In a very real way, both of them needed this. Both were burdened so much right now, so they stayed together. They stayed in each other's arms, healing each others wounds with every move of their lips. Orihime would've been content to stay like this forever, until…

"Abigail," Ulquiorra whispered against her lips. Both of their eyes shot open. Orihime jerked away from him, staring in horror. He, for his part, looked just as shocked as she did.

He opened his mouth, as if to say something, but closed it again. What could he say?

She backed up slowly into her room and slammed the door on the still-shocked Ulquiorra. She leaned against the door, breathing hard. Grimmjow had called her Abby, Ulquiorra had called her Abigail. Who is she? More importantly, who am I?

()()()()()()()()()()()()

A/N- Be honest, raise your hand if you thought that last line was cornier than a corn field. /raises hand/. More importantly, this chapter had Ulquihime! Yay!

The actual order for the top three Espada hasn't been revealed yet, so I'm just going with what is most convienient for the story. This order will have more significance later.

BTW: for those who couldn't tell what Orihime was saying, she said," whose parents are spies and they go on fun adventures and they find out a bunch of secrets and they meet a guy who is evil at first but then he's nice then in the sequel the kids are spies too and everyone goes to a island with weird creatures."

Man, this chapter was long. It took me two weeks just to write it. Hope it turned out well. Please review!