chapter 4 :::::Aizen's Insurance:::::

The confiscated notes titled, "Oddities & regenerative capabilities of Ulquiorra: the 4th Espada" had a definite tone of reverence. The self-proclaimed scientist, Szayel Aporro Granz, seldom used praise when mentioning any of his fellow Arrancar comrades. Many times the analytically-minded 8th Espada, Szayel, had noted Ulqiorra's resilience with wonder. There were several highlighted passages noting "the likely possibility of Unprecedented power contained within the 4th that has yet to be revealed, not even to Aizen." Gin's eyebrows furrowed, this certainly made for interesting reading.

Hours passed,…and finally, Gin approached Aizen with his assessment.

"Aizen, I've much to discuss with you. We may have a potential threat from within."

"So the notes I asked Szayel to give to you were insightful? I thought they would be. I've known of his curiosity for Ulquiorra and the others for quite some time…be them ally or foe, it matters not to one such as Szayel. His reluctance to provide us this information was easily thwarted. I simply allowed him access to explore our young intruders at will. It was an opportunity I knew he wouldn't forfeit. I look forward to reading his latest findings on them, as well. His experiments are always entertaining, at the very least. It was one of the reasons I chose not to intervene and let his past transgressions within my ranks remain dormant."

"Oh, you mean that nasty bit of business with him, Nnoitra, and the former 3rd Espada? Yes, it was a most exquisite fall from grace. Such a spectacular downfall, she was…though it's a pity such a beauty was left to waste away wandering the white sands in the guise of a child. I would've thought of far better uses for her."

"To remain an oblivious infant, roaming the desert for the rest of her days does seem a cruel fate, doesn't it? Still, she was easily replaced…as all my Espada are. …Forgive me for going off on a tangent, Gin, you were saying?"

Aizen motioned to the papers fluttering half-hazardly within Gin's hand.

"…Ah yes, the passages pertaining to Ulquiorra are most intriguing. There is much, it seems, your trusted Espada has not disclosed to you. This could turn out to be quite the proverbial thorn in your side."

"You are, of course, referring to his added power when in an Espada release state?"

"In part, yes. However, the information based on the tissue samples alone were quite profound. I won't ask where Szayel got them, but it appears these abilities may go further, much further than you're aware. And the extent of damage he could inflict with this unknown power Ulquiorra possesses will be problematic should he choose to switch sides, and detrimental to Las Noches even if he doesn't."

"You think that likely after our chat with him? Jealousy is a powerful tool. He is already thrown off-balance and focusing solely on Ichigo Kurosaki more than I could have hoped."

"Perhaps, however, this bond between him and Orihime Inoue weakens your hold. After our last conversation with him, it would now seem his loyalty to you is conditional upon her well-being. You must have noticed that he still brings her meals on occassion and visits her as he pleases. I'd never believed him capable of such insubordination. How disappointing this must be for you." Gin said flashing his signature smile as he continued, "The way things are headed with our prisoner, betrayal seems quite inevitable, doesn't it?"

"So it would seem. Well Gin, it seems our plans must be put into action. You may use Szayel and any other resources you deem necessary."

Gin had been given a very interesting assignment, a task he was enjoying a little too much. For many days and nights he and the 8th Espada slaved away. They mixed and tested all manner of elements again and again until completion, finally. Szayel lovingly caressed the prized flask as he handed it over to Gin. With a knowing gleam in his eye, Gin's calculated smile widened as fantasies played out in his head of what the ultimate outcome would be…should the need arise to deploy his project, of course. However, the way events were currently unfolding, the deadly creation was sure to get some use…*sigh* …if only he would be here to see it. But alas, the three Ex-soul Reapers would be needed elsewhere to wage war. Aizen's plans were moving forward at such an accelerated rate that Gin was certain the war would be finished long before winter had ended. All worlds would soon be theirs to do with as they will. He stared longingly at the milky toxin swirling within the glass vial. It was too bad really, he so enjoyed watching the torture and demise of lesser creatures. He read over Szayel's notes once more…after all, it must be perfect.

The next day he stood, once more, before Aizen. The monitors glowed eerily in the darkened room as Aizen stared blankly at them. Beyond the glass and wires, the girl in white lay sleeping soundlessly alone in her room.

" …So, tell me Gin, how is the elixir coming along?"

"Using Ulquiorra's current riatsu level as a baseline, the pathogen will remain dormant unless a severe increase were to occur. So, in essence, it would take a great unbalanced magnitude of spiritual energy emanating directly from within him to enable it. In fact, it would take more power than any current Espada should be capable of producing, release state, or otherwise. After all, this is all still based in theory…but should he prove capable of going to this extreme level, it should be quite a site if and when it actually happens. The only question left to answer is how you intend to inject this into his body? I doubt he'll volunteer."

"That should be quite easy. You simply take him out of the equation. We need only inject it into the catalyst…and let nature take it's course…"

Aizen smiled as his fingers caressed the monitor holding the image of the sleeping girl.

"Oh, I see now. How clever of you, Aizen," said Gin with a smirk.

….And so the following evening, Orihime received a special meal, one unlike any she had eaten since her arrival in Hueco Mundo. Ulquiorra hadn't come to her room to deliver it either,…strange. Still, she was ravenous and the meal which was prepared for her left her speechless. It was as if every unspoken culinary desire she'd had since she came here had been granted. There were goblets of red wine for her to drink, decadent soups and bisques for her to sample, and a fondue with various cuts of meat and pieces of bread cut into various sizes. It was a gourmet feast fit for royalty. Perhaps her meal had been switched with Aizen's? The very idea made her giggle and she savored every bite that much more. And just when she couldn't possibly eat another bite, another servant appeared with a new cart. The first tier of the cart was full of different colored crystal bowls, all full of every flavor of ice cream imaginable. And below that, on the second tier, was a platter full of cream-filled donuts and éclairs the likes of which she'd never even dreamed of. It was by far the best meal she'd ever enjoyed on either world. After she'd eaten, thoughts of sleep began to envelope her. She tried to fight it, she really wanted to give her thanks to Ulquiorra for this fantastic dinner. …"Where is he?" she thought, as she drifted off…

(meanwhile…)

Patiently, Gin smiled and voyeuristically watched the monitor as Orihime ingested gobs of serum he'd personally laced throughout her entire meal. That, and she'd swallowed enough sedative-laced-dessert to ensure she'd remember very little of the passed few hours, but awake at an opportune time. The mixture was perfection, Gin smiled at his own cleverness. The elixir was now inside the girl and it was completely harmless to her. All she would feel is a little light-headed, but otherwise, fine. In fact, thanks to his special food/drug-cocktail, she'd be better than fine. If all went accordingly, she'd be full of energy and sexually aroused the moment she caught site of her captor. This was all as Aizen and nature intended. It was genius, for no harm would ever befall the girl personally, she simply wasn't capable of displaying the kind of power needed to activate such a potent concoction. She would remain oblivious for the rest of her life, never knowing she was the reason of her lover's demise. Yes, Gin thought with delight, she truly was the perfect tool for delivering the deadly serum.

Hours later...

Aizen approached Gin with purpose.

"Tell me, did all go as planned?"

"Down to every last detail," Gin smiled maniacally, "I also took the liberty of recording the night's activities for you. All you need to do is find the time to watch it for yourself. I should warn you, it gets a little racy…who knew that girl had such a voracious appetite? Oh, and she ate the entire meal as well," and having said that he erupted into fits of laughter.

"You do find unique ways to amuse yourself, Gin." Aizen said with a look of distaste, "..But even so, well done."

"It does seems tragic that he will come to such an end. Ah well, at least he had tonight," Gin stated with a twinkle in his eye.

"What can I say, Gin? All rulers need insurance if they wish to remain so..."

continue to Chapter 5 -