A/N- 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 12
The Clock Strikes Midnight, the Depth of the Treachery
Finally, the vows where to be made. "I do," Aizen said smoothly. Tousen asked Orihime.
She hesitated a few moments; wanting to give Ichigo a chance to burst through the door, sword raised, to rescue her. Nothing happened.
With the coldest, most icy voice she could muster, she nearly spat," I do."
Then came the kiss of the devil.
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Earlier that day:
(Grimmjow POV)
We had run out of time. The wedding was today, and we were no closer to getting Orihime out of here. It pissed me off like no other. I wanted to just blow a hole in the wall and get her out of here, damn the consequences. Ulquiorra, being the prick he was, said that we had to be clandestine about it as to not alert Aizen that they were no longer loyal. He said the key was to let that bastard Ichigo do all the rescuing in the public eye, while we pull the strings from the shadows. Not my style, to tell you the truth.
I brooded about that for a long time. Kurosaki would be coming here, a perfect opportunity for me to get revenge. But Orihime had complicated that. When she had first come, I had been ecstatic, because Ichigo was sure to follow. I had never anticipated that I might actually develop a bond with Orihime.
Ulquiorra brooded too. Despite my completely chaste reasons, I had still kissed the reincarnated Abigail. I hadn't even enjoyed it, really. I mean, I have to be gay not to enjoy kissing her a little, but I wasn't in love with her or anything.
I never, in a million years, would have guessed that I would team up with Ulquiorra. I thought we would end up killing each other in a battle to the death, honestly. But the fact of the matter remained; I owed Ben, big time. And I always repay my debts, thank you very much.
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April 23rd, 1852
Matt ran endlessly through the forest, searching for his missing brother. Ben had ran off after finding Matt and Abigail, without even giving Matt a chance to explain his side of the story. Not that there was much of one, but Matt planned on blaming it on the blood loss. It was the only legitimate excuse he could come up with.
He headed to a group of rocks near the riverbank. It was where Ben always ran to after something happened to him, because no one could hear him cry over the sound of the water. Ben wasn't an easy crier, mind you, but this life sure as hell gave him a lot to cry about. Matt, on the other hand, used violence to let it all out.
Abigail cried a lot. Whenever something happened, actually. She would start sobbing if she found a dead squirrel, or if she saw Matt or Ben gut a fish. Ben would always comfort her, no matter how stupid the reason, telling her it would be ok. If Ben wasn't there, she would cling to Matt and cry, something he did not find enjoyable at all.
Truth be told, he didn't really like Abby when they first met. She was so fragile, so soft, like the smallest thing could break her. But as he got to know her, he realized what she lacked in physical strength, she made up for in mental strength. She endured a lot, he had to admit. And through it all, she could still smile and laugh. She was something else, that Abby.
He found Ben exactly where he thought he would, crying, would you believe it. Of course he did the classical guy thing where he tried to hide it, but Matt knew Ben too well for that.
"If you keep crying all the time, you're going to have tear marks permanently etched on your face," he stated. Not the most sensitive way of comforting, but Matt really wasn't a sensitive guy.
Ben glared. "Did you come here to mock me?"
Matt sighed." No. I'm just delaying the inevitable." He sat down next to Ben, staring at the river they had lived at for five years. There was a faint sparkle of gold dust at the bottom, reflecting the sunlight. Both he and Ben were content to stare at it for a while, not talking.
Finally, Ben broke the silence. "Why did you do it?" he asked, in a voice far more vulnerable than he had intended, probably.
"Blood loss and adrenaline," Matt answered immediately," You can't think straight." He winced at how stupid that sounded.
Ben's eyes narrowed disbelievingly, and with good reason. But then he relaxed, and relented," If you say so."
There was an awkward silence, and neither boy knew what to say. Small talk seemed like a good option, but no one wanted to be the one to initiate it.
"Where is Abigail?" Ben asked softly.
"I left her with Elizabeth."
Ben stood up. "We better get going then. I don't trust Elizabeth, really."
Matt blinked. "Why not? She's harmless!"
"Don't you get the feeling she's… hiding something?" Ben asked.
Matt blinked again, still not standing. "No… really not… I honestly don't view her as intelligent enough to hide something."
Ben sighed. "I know. But I can't shake the felling, you know?"
Matt stood up. "I guess." They made their way back to Golden Sun, both suddenly feeling a bit uneasy about their sort-of friend.
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(Ulquiorra's POV)
I paced back and forth in my room, far more nervous then I had ever been in my arrancar life. Time was ticking away, and every reflection on my situation seemed to unsettle me more. As much as I hated it, I just wasn't strong enough to defeat Aizen. Neither was Grimmjow, obviously.
The more I thought about, the more it became evident that I was going to need help. Any plan I thought of required more allies than we had. Halibel would be a great ally to have, but I couldn't risk exposing our plan to someone who might not agree to help us with. And why should she? She had no past life connection to Orihime.
It would be easier if Okashii were still alive. Just goes to show how foolish she was, to taunt someone so much more powerful than herself. When I heard the news, I knew this was about to get a lot harder. Our only real option was to manipulate Ichigo Kurosaki into conducting the actual rescue. I worried about Grimmjow. Would he be able to resist the urge to kill Kurosaki?
A thought struck me. It was so far-fetched, yet it could work. I'd have to play my cards extremely carefully, but… it really was possible. If this worked, Orihime would be home free, and Aizen would have no idea about our involvement in it.
I set off to begin working on my new plan when the order came in. The Espada were to gather.
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April 23rd, 1852
Ben and Matt were walking faster than necessary, a fact that didn't escape either of them. Ben wasn't even sure what he felt, but there was something dark about Elizabeth, something that set him on edge and frayed his nerves.
They reached the Golden Sun, and the outside was eerily quiet. Everything seemed to be holding its breath, waiting. Ben felt waves of danger radiating from the building where Abigail was in. He and Matt rushed in.
Morris stood in the shop, towering over Elizabeth and Abigail, who both looked understandably frightened. Elizabeth stood in front of Abigail, her arms spread out to protect her. Morris turned his head when he heard them enter. He was smiling paternally, but his eyes glowed with malice.
"Well, is it isn't my two precious gifts from above. Having trouble finding Abigail? Doesn't seem like it to me. But I know my sons would never lie to me, right?"
Ben said," I'm so sorry" at the same time Matt said," Bite me".
Ben glared at Matt. "For once in your life, shut up!" he hissed. Matt growled, but said nothing, choosing to glare at Morris to convey his hatred. Ben was at loss for words. What could he say to Morris? More importantly, what could he say that would get them all out this unharmed?
Elizabeth stepped up. "Abigail looked sick, so they took her to me cause-"She didn't see it coming. Morris backhanded her across the face, sending her to the ground, hard.
"Do you think I care what you say, cross-dresser?" he sneered. She clutched her cheek, looking pained. Her eyes darted to Abigail, who was left wide open. Ben followed her gaze and made a move to get to Abigail, but Morris was faster. He grabbed her upper arm, pulling her close to him, like she was a hostage.
"Let go of her!" Elizabeth screamed, and the darkness Ben sensed in her increased explosively. Her eyes, pale blue, were murderous, and her hair had fallen from her braid and was wild and tangled. Ben watched in a mix of horror and fascination, but was still painfully aware of Abigail.
"I found my good buddy Jim dead today. He had a deep cut across him chest, with dirt in it. I asked around, and it turns out there was a fight at this very establishment. Curious, don't you think, little cross-dresser?"
She stood up slowly, almost disjointedly, like a puppet. She locked eyes with Morris. "Let her go, you scum of a man," she spat.
"Father," Ben added," can we please talk about his back home?" He glanced nervously at the grip on Abigail's arm, which seemed to be tightening.
Matt was clutching his arm, as if the pain had waited for the most inopportune moment to make its full appearance. His face was twisted with pain, his eyes clouded with worry. His gaze never left the grip on Abigail's arm either.
"I knew this girl would be trouble the moment you brought her home. I never wanted to take care of her anyway. But, out of the goodness of my heart, I took her in, gave her a job, and this is how you repay me?"
"A job?" Matt cried disbelievingly," You whored her out for your own gain!"
Abigail was still in her 'working dress' as Morris called it. It was a tight cream-colored corset with pink flowers embroidered on it, with a darker brown skirt that trailed passed the short girl's feet. The corset's thin straps had sheer, golden sleeves that worked well to hide the bruises that she often got while 'working'.
Abigail squeaked pitifully as Morris's grip tightened yet again. Ben looked from Elizabeth to Matt and they both nodded. All at once, they leapt into action.
Ben jumped forward and grabbed Abigail, pulling her out of the way just as Matt drove his good arm into Morris's gut. Elizabeth grabbed a large sack of flour, tore it open and threw it to the ground in front of Morris, sending the white powder into the air, cloaking the youths. They sprinted out of there, as Morris grasped at the flour-filled air they had occupied a few moments ago.
They ran past the edge of town, and into the forest. The trees past them in a blur, and Ben's breathing turned ragged. They stopped in a clearing.
"Matt, Abigail, you guys go back home and grab money and food, as much as you can carry. Elizabeth and I will meet you here after we search for a cave or something to hide in for now." Ben's voice sounded calmer than he was. But someone had to take charge, and no one else was volunteering. "And remember clean bandages," he added.
Matt nodded tersely, and led Abigail quickly in the direction of the house. Ben turned to Elizabeth. "I need your help," he whispered softly.
She blinked. "In addition to what's going on now?" she asked.
He nodded.
A sigh slid through her lips, and she led him deeper into the forest. "What do you need help with?" she asked.
His throat felt dry. "Abigail," he mumbled. "I don't want to lose her without her knowing how I feel."
Elizabeth stared him in the eye. "You think I can help you?"
Emerald eyes stared back. "Yes. You're one of her closest friends, and you're a girl, so you understand her better."
"Do you think you're going to lose her soon?" she asked softly, breaking eye contact.
"That's the problem. I just don't know anymore. I used to think I had all the time in the world, but now I don't know anything for sure." It scared him to be this open to someone who he didn't trust, really.
She sighed, and her eyes seemed white in the light. "Fine. I, Elizabeth Lynn Everett, hereby swear to do everything in my power to bring together Ben and Abby. Happy now?"
He nodded. It felt nice to have someone on his side. Maybe, just maybe, it could work out after all. If he had been able to see the future, he would have never had been so optimistic.
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(Grimmjow POV)
I'm not a big fan of meetings, to tell you the truth. First off, I don't like sitting still for too long 'cause I get restless. Second, I don't like Aizen, because he's a liar and a bastard, and because he likes to smile when he's angry to unsettle you. It's creepy, let me tell you.
"The time has almost come for my plan to be carried out," Aizen said in his smug voice," You have all done wonderfully. The girl is thoroughly under our control."
Yeah, you just keep telling yourself that, he thought wickedly. It overjoyed him how overconfident Aizen was when he was wrong.
His gaze locked with mine. "However," he continued, in a tone I learned meant something bad was about to happen," it has come to my attention that a certain person kissed Orihime, despite my clear instructions that you were to be her friend."
Son of a bitch. Why couldn't he have found out when Ulquiorra kissed her? Why me?
"Friends with benefits," Nnoitra smirked, as if he was the cleverest person in the world.
I felt trapped. I knew Ulquiorra wouldn't rat me out, as my actions were for the sake of Orihime remembering. Halibel, however, would feel no such hesitation to turn me in. On second thought, maybe Halibel didn't turn me in. Ichimaru probably was watching the cameras in Orihime's room. What was I supposed to say?
"Blame yourself for giving her such a tight dress," I sniped, and saw Ulquiorra roll his eyes slightly.
Apparently Aizen wasn't in his listening mode. "However, I have chosen to be lenient with you. I will not demote you, nor will I punish you. As for the effects your actions have put on the plan, I have modified your role to compensate."
I felt a sick feeling forming in my stomach. "Modified my role…?"
"Yes. Your role is now very similar to Nnoitra's, except this time, Halibel and Ulquiorra will not interfere."
It was all I could do not to vomit. "You want me to rape her?!" I exploded. This could not be happening.
"I wouldn't put it that way, but yes," Aizen answered. "By acting the way you did, you left me no choice but for me to make you an antagonist in her eyes. This works out well, because the emotion trauma will push her closer to me."
"You want me to rape her?!" I yelled again for emphasis
Aizen did his bastard chuckled. "Have some eloquence, Grimmjow," he chided.
I felt absolutely disgusted. There was no way I could do that to Abigail after all that had happened to her with men in the past. But if I didn't, Aizen would know something was going on between me and Orihime, and he might trace it back to Ulquiorra, too. This was a lose-lose situation, definitely.
"Do you have any questions?" Aizen asked.
Why are you such a sick bastard? I thought bitterly. But slowly, mechanically, I shook my head.
Aizen smiled. "Very good. You are excused to go do that. The rest of us will remain here a bit longer, to discuss more plans."
In other words, I would get no chance to meet with Ulquiorra before I left. This was going from bad to worse. I rose fluidly, and stalked out of the room, wishing for the millionth time that I was strong enough to wipe that self-satisfied smile off Aizen's face.
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(Ulquiorra's POV)
This was so unbelievably bad. I cursed Kurosaki for not being faster. Grimmjow was nervous, I could tell as he walked out. He didn't know what to do. In his situation, I probably wouldn't know what to do either.
Aizen went on about something plan-related, but none of the Espada were listening. Time moved painfully slowly as Aizen talked on and on. I kept outwardly calm, not allowing his worry to show on my face.
The meeting was finally dismissed, but by then it was too late to do anything. I didn't even bother walking in Orihime's direction. Everyone dispersed, ready to go on with their lives. I got ready to put my plan into action.
I went to Stark's domain, into a huge room with pillows on the ground. It was universally known that this was Stark's favorite napping spot.
Stark walking in a moment later, and he look surprised to see me here. "Can I help you?" he asked.
Then I explained everything. I told him about Orihime, about our past, and about my desire to get her out of here. It would seem stupid to share your plans to someone who might turn you in, but here's the thing: Stark won't turn me in. Even if he refuses to help me, he won't turn me over to Aizen. He just wouldn't. That's why I needed him. Because, whether he knew it or not, he had a strong connection to Halibel. If I got Stark on my side, I could inadvertently get Halibel as well.
He looked thoughtful. He didn't deny me right away, and I took that as a good sign. I had planted the seed, and he was growing it. I could see him running over details in his head. He sighed. "How complicated," he said. Still not saying no.
"Let me think about it for a bit," he said. "Right now I need to sleep."
I nodded. This had gone perfectly. I bid him farewell, and walked calmly back to my own domain. Don't worry Orihime, I thought, we're going to get you out of here.
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Everyone (not including Grimmjow) was waiting in the ballroom, waiting for the wedding to get started. Me and Stark had a hushed discussion in the corner. He said he would help, and he would try to convince Halibel to help as well. He sounded unsure, as if he wasn't sure he could do it. I was completely sure.
Orihime walked in, doing a very poor job of concealing her angst. She was trying to keep her expression blank, not unlike what I did, but her eyes gave her away. You should see right through those eyes.
She was looking everywhere, probably for me. I wasn't about to give her any hints. I looked at Stark, and he nodded. As soon as Orihime got here, the conversation would be over.
Her eyes found me, and I saw them light up with excitement. It was sweet, really, how happy she got when she saw me. Her eyes were wide, making them easier to read. He saw lust in her eyes, and he noted with satisfaction that it was for him. The tides really had turned in this life.
She made her way toward him, her legs shaking slightly. She was afraid.
She walked up to him, and smiled nicely at Stark. I nodded to Stark, and he nodded back, and left. She searched my eyes, but couldn't find anything. She should know better than to challenge the master of concealment.
"You don't like my dress," she said softly. Only she would be worried about a dress when she was about to married to someone like Aizen.
"Pardon?" I asked in an amused voice, despite hearing her perfectly well. My good mood was showing.
"You don't like my dress," she said with more strength.
Of course I didn't. It was practically the reincarnated 'working dress'.
"You do," I challenged. "You love it because it feels familiar to you, like a second skin, right?" She looked shocked.
"You didn't answer my question," she pointed out weakly.
"Are you surprised by that?" I asked, still not answering the question.
She sighed," Sadly, no. People don't seem to want to answer my questions lately."
I nodded. "All in good time," I promised.
"Take your time," she said, sounding a bit bitter," I'll be here forever."
I almost smiled, thinking about she could be free in any day now. "Alright then."
She scowled childishly. I loved that look on her.
"Where is lord Aizen?" she asked.
I deadpanned. "He's waiting to see you until the ceremony," I began, when the sound of music began to drift through the air," which apparently begins now."
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I walked her down the aisle, then stood next to Stark and Halibel. Grimmjow should've been here. I could only imagine how he was feeling right now. He had weaseled out of raping her by the look of things, but it would still have a bad effect on him.
Tousen, the minister, said the vows, but I doubted anyone was listening. Ichimaru stood next to Aizen, smiling as usual, but he seemed to be thinking about something serious.
"I do," Aizen said. Tousen asked Orihime. She hesitated, looking around hopefully, but eventually gave up. "I do," she said bitterly, hate lacing her tone. Aizen ignored it. And then he kissed her. Somewhere in the far distance, Ulquiorra felt the spiritual pressure of a certain orange-haired deputy Soul Reaper.
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A/N- Hello again. Did anyone like the 'same event different perspective' thing?
Once again, sorry that it was rushed and/or filled with mistakes. Ugh. Too tired to say more.
PLEASE REVIEW!