My New Beginning CH. 4

Moonlight Terrors

A/N: OMG I FORGOT TO POST THIS IN TIME FOR NEW YEAR'S I'M SUCH A FAILURE. I'M SO SO SO SO SO SO SORRY THAT IT WASN'T UP IN TIME. I'VE JUST BEEN SUPER BUSY LATELY AND FORGOT THAT I FINISHED THIS. ALSO, MY FLASH DRIVE THAT HAD ALL MY STORIES BROKE SO I LOST THIS FOR AWHILE AND…. YA. I AM SUCH A HORRIBLE PERSON :'( WAAAAAAHHHHH- well, now that I'm done with that outburst let's get on with the show! (no I am not bi-polar thank you for asking) (I OWN NOTHING BUT THIS PLOT BUNNY)

Christmas had passed and everyone began to prepare for New Year's Eve. Especially Gin, Nnoitra, and Grimmjow. While some such as Starrk, Tia, and Ulquiorra went about their daily lives, these three decided to get themselves completely drunk. Apparently it was a tradition. Orihime remembered when she found out about this "tradition"…

Orihime had sat in the living room for the third night post-Christmas, watching with horrid fascination as Gin, Nnoitra, and Grimmjow got themselves drunk. She kept thinking Isn't Gin supposed to be their caretaker and role model. He's letting minors drink for Kami's sake! Well, as long as nothing bad happens to any of them while their drunk…. Orihime sighed, resting her elbow on the couch's arm and her face in her fist. Her eyes showed her obvious distaste of this situation. Ulquiorra, catching her stare, said, "It's a tradition of theirs. Do not worry, Gin is not as drunk as he seems. He can hold his liquor well enough to know when to have the boys cease their drinking. "

"Tradition? What do you mean?" she asked, her eyes curious and confused. With the only show of frustration that Ulquiorra would ever show he said, "Ever since those two turned sixteen and got arrested for drinking, Gin has let them drink here every day after Christmas until New Year's Day. Gin figured that if he could supervise and limit their drinking while he was around, it would be a better alternative than having them get drunk on the streets where they could get injured, or worse killed. Though, even with Gin's observant eyes, he is not aware that they both have fake I.D.'s that allow them to get alcohol whenever they see fit. But they rarely do so because if Gin ever found out, they would both be forbidden from any drinking at all, and most likely punished severely for their deception. "

Orihime kept staring at him as the thought over his words. She guessed that she could understand Gin's idea. No matter what, they would continue to drink whether he wanted them to or not. It is true that it is better that he supervises their drinking, rather than have them become drunk in places where he can't protect them. With a nod, she showed him that she understood….

She continued watching the boys as they got drunk, smiling at their silly antics. Well, at least this spree of alcohol-induced stupors would be over soon. I mean New Year's Eve was only a couple of days away! How bad could things get?

/

"HAPPY DAY BEFORE THE NEW YEAR!" Orihime screamed joyfully, effectively waking Grimmjow and Nnoitra from their drunken slumbers and into a world filled with horrid hangovers, now accompanied by a pounding headache. Everyone else, including Gin (who hid his hangover rather well), was in the dinning room stuffing their mouths full of syrup-drenched buttermilk pancakes, crispy bacon, juicy sausage, fried, over-easy and scrambled eggs, and waffles. The aroma of the mouth watering food began to drift up to the two boys, immediately making them realize how hungry they were as Orihime began to sing the most annoying song in the history of annoying songs. "Do you like waffles? Ya I like waffles. Do you like pancakes? Ya I like pancakes! Do you like… ummm, hehe I forgot the rest!" With a sheepish smile, and a very feminine giggle, she continued eating and decided to not sing that song until she remembered the rest of the lyrics. Everyone else stared at her in apt shock, except Nnoitra and Grimmjow who shot her murderous and tortured gazes, and then followed her example and continue eating.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Grimmjow had made it a point to spend some time with Pantera, because, most likely, he would be supporting a massive hangover for the next few days after New Year's Eve and would ignore Pantera as he nursed himself to a blissful non-hangover state. He sat in her enclosure petting her soft glistening fur and began to talk to her about all his thoughts. "Pan, you remember that girl from the other day? With orange hair, big doe eyes, and a large rack?" The panther rolled her eyes at his last comment, but nodded anyways. "Well, there's this strange feeling inside of me when I look at her. Sometimes, when I sleep, I get these flashes- flashes of vibrant orange hair, except spiky, more like a dude's, blood, and then her crying all beat up. But I don't get it. I know that I've never met her before in this life, but that's the thing. In this life! I feel- I feel like I might have known her in a past life. But that's… that's ridiculous…" he paused looked at her as he nervously swiped his hand through his hair, "that is ridiculous ain't it, Pan?" When the panther gave him no response, not even a movement of her beautiful head, he sighed and continued to pet her, the confused and trouble look in his eyes never once going away.

Elsewhere, Ulquiorra was beginning to think along the same lines…. But what neither of them knew was that they were both so much closer to the truth than their rational minds could accept.

Ulquiorra stood in the darkness of the bat cave, his emerald eyes bright in the inky blackness. With a soft whistle, Murcielago dropped down onto his hand turning its head to him in greeting, golden eyes gleaming. "Murcielago, may I ask you something?" It gave him a blink of its large eyes in response. "You recall the woman whom brought you here, yes?" It gave another blink in recognition. "I feel a familiarity within her similar to that in which I found in my acquaintances. But with them it was more of my mind responding to them, but to her it was more like… like my heart responded to her. But that is absurd- how could my heart remember a woman who I have never met, hmm? Murcielago, its like, like I l-" "Hello Schiffer-kun!" The very lady whom he had been talking about appeared; as if the mere mention of her had summoned the girl to his side. With the slightest sigh of exasperation he turned to face her, though almost secretly happy that he had not had to admit his feelings out loud- because that would only confirm that they were in fact present.

"Hello, woman. Though I do believe that we are past referring to me by my last name. You may call me Ulquiorra." With a beaming smile that put the sun, moon and stars to shame she exclaimed joyfully, "Ulquiorra-kun!" He sighed in exasperation as he replied, "No woman, just Ulquiorra." She giggled, "Well that's too bad Ulquiorra-kun! Because no matter what you say, I'm still gonna call you Ulquiorra-kun." He rolled his eyes at her childish antics. Orihime then stuck out her palm calling out a quiet, "Murcielago." The bat turned its watchful gaze to her, its wings silently flying from his forearm into her hand. It looked at her, though the intense mirth in his gaze confused her. She smiled at him whispering, "Murcielago, you can go now," then, so quietly that Ulquiorra couldn't hear her, "Don't worry, you can take a break- he's safe with me." Then with a blink of its eyes in response, he flew away his wings silently carrying him into the dark recesses of the cave.

Ulquiorra followed the bat with his eyes until it disappeared into the darkness, his eyes holding an indescribable emotion. Turning his attention back to Orihime he said, "Come woman, let us take a walk." Happily she smiled in response, joining him at his side as they made their way through to zoo and eventually back to the house. "So Ulquiorra-kun, are you doing anything exciting for New Year's Eve?" Orihime asked. Ulquiorra closed his eyes, slightly pursing his lips, "Sadly, yes. I have been chosen to accompany Nnoitra and Grimmjow in their exploits. I am to supervise them, so as to prevent them from getting into too much trouble." Orihime's eyes took on a despondent look, "Oh, ok." She had been hoping that he wouldn't have any plans, and would be able to spend New Year's Eve with her. She quickly hid her disappointment with a bright smile, "No problem! It's not a big deal, don't worry about it. Heeheehe…" He faced forward, away from her so as to hide his smirk, "But if I had not had to supervise those idiots, I would've gladly spent my New Years with you." Biting her lip to contain her smile, she nodded joyfully. The two were finally back at the house where they parted ways- both with some kind of smile on their faces.

/

Ulquiorra stood, hands in his pockets, waiting for Nnoitra and Grimmjow to come out. Orihime stood next to him as they engaged in idle chatter. He wore black skinny jeans that clung to the contours of his legs, a white dress shirt that emphasized his lean yet muscular physic accompanied by a black button-up vest with silver buttons. He had rolled the sleeves above his elbows, showing his pale skin with a pair of black Vans to complete the look.

It wasn't long before Grimmjow and Nnoitra were strutting down the stairs dressed in their party clothes. Grimmjow wore tight black skinny jeans, a white shirt layered over a tight gray undershirt with a leather jacket and combat boots. His cerulean hair was tousled nicely and his devilish smirk presented sexy in its truest form.

Nnoitra wore a red silk button-up also rolled up past the elbows, and black skinny jeans with some All Star Converse. He had a leather wristband with silver spikes and metal clasps.

Nodding a goodbye at Orihime, Ulquiorra grabbed the car keys to Grimmjow's Ford Mustang- knowing full well that neither Grimmjow nor Nnoitra would dare throw up in that car. Grimmjow wouldn't ever harm his 'baby' even if he was drunk as shit and, well, Nnoitra- even in his most drunken state- wouldn't chance his life and genitalia like that.

Very soon the trio had arrived at Darkness Delights, a local club that flourished throughout the entire year- where Grimmjow and Nnoitra happened to be regulars. The two made their way to the bouncer, who nodded his head at them to give them entrance- Ulquiorra trailing behind them. They were immediately immersed in pounding music and surrounded by dancing and drunken bodies.

Ulquiorra found the three a table towards the back- and began drinking his club soda as he watched Grimmjow and Nnoitra take shot after shot. In all reality while both could hold their liquor well, they drank such heavy stuff in large quantities that they were both drunk pretty quickly.

Once Grimmjow and Nnoitra get drunk it always results in dancing- usually dancing with any partner they deem "good-looking". Grimmjow and Nnoitra were both bi-sexual- while Nnoitra had one partner that he usually continued with regularly, but he was also fond of big-breasted women and small submissive men. Grimmjow liked anyone he deemed interesting- someone who could keep him on his toes, excited.

Ulquiorra watched on with apt disgust- when they were drunk they had absolutely no shame, rubbing their hands up and down their partners' sides, grinding up against them. Then things took a turn for the worse.

Nnoitra had chosen a partner that was, apparently, with another guy. A large burly man yanked Nnoitra off of his girl, throwing him to the floor while simultaneously pulling his girl protectively to his chest. Nnoitra shot up- anger increased tenfold by the alcohol in his system- throwing a punch for the man. The burly man deflected the sloppy blow going in for an offensive move of his own- Ulquiorra quickly coming in between the two halting further actions. Ulquiorra was able to bargain Nnoitra from being brutally attacked when the burly man realized that the small green-eyed man could easily beat him. And when Ulquiorra finally got Nnoitra situated back in their booth- he looked around a realized something. Grimmjow was no-where to be found.

/

He stumbled drunkenly out of the bar. The world began to sway to and fro, as he tripped over his feet, trying to make his way down the street. Grimmjow watched as the bright, neon lights from nearby bars and street lights began to blur together in a swirl of colors. The blackness of the night began to swallow him up, as he staggered along the city sidewalks.

Grimmjow traveled farther and farther away from his original location, his thoughts tangled in a jumbled mess. Also, the large amount of alcohol in his system was making him weak, delirious, and confused. Pretty soon he was lost within the maze that was this city. Suddenly in his drunken stupor, he heard a sound he hadn't heard in years. At first his hazed mind couldn't place it, then suddenly it came to him. Crying. That's exactly what he was hearing. Smidgens of whimpering enveloped his ears. And as quickly as he could, he began to make his way to sound. Grimmjow found himself drunkenly stumbling into a nearby alley- and coming face to face with a young teenage boy being held down by a large burly man who held a gun to the boy's head. In his alcohol-induced stupor Grimmjow could not begin to comprehend the severity of the situation.

"Hey fucker, get the hell outta here you drunk asshole. I got some business that I gotta take care of!" The boy beneath the hulk of a man shook his head rapidly, trying to confer his pleading into his eyes as shimmering tears leaked from his eyes. "Shu-up ya d-dick. Jus' le' tha' kid go *hiccup* an-an-and… " "Either you shut the fuck up and get the fuck outta here I'll shoot you and the kid." Grimmjow's eyes got angry and confused. Then yelling out a roar that sounded like the predator within he lunged for the gunman.

And then the sound of a single gunshot echoed in the air.

/

Orihime comfortably sat on the couch, watching New York City's annual New Year's celebration. In Orihime's opinion, it was strange to celebrate New Year's on that day and the strange costumes by people such as 'Lady Gaga', was rather odd. I mean who would want to name themselves after a sound that babies make before they learn to talk? She began to shake her head, getting rid of those ridiculous thoughts. She shouldn't judge other people's culture- especially when she disliked when people did that to hers.

Gin sat at her side, observing her every move. Not that she mattered though; she kind of enjoyed any company whatsoever- even if it was an odd man who always seemed so joyful. She was disappointed that Ulquiorra couldn't be there but it was all right. Also, it was another let down that none of her other housemates wanted to stay up and watch the annual ball drop with her. They had all gone to sleep. And anyone who had wanted to stay up for New Years was out partying. With Ulquiorra. UGH: every time she stopped thinking about him, the next topic she thought about made her think of him!

Suddenly Gin stood up calling, "Hey Hime-chaannn. I bet ya've neva' had sparklin' cida'. I'm gonna go get' us some. But make sure ta call me if tha' ball starts droppin'!" She nodded her assent with a smile, excited to try the sparkling cider. America was very exciting, even if she did get homesick every once in a while.

Suddenly the Batman Theme Song began playing from Gin's IPhone 4s, as a picture of Ulquiorra wearing a sombrero and glaring popped up. "Gin! I think Ulquiorra's calling!" Gin walked into the room, cider in hand, and a confused look on his face. He answered the phone, "'Ello, Ulqui-kun. How are ya?" She could her the echo of Ulquiorra's voice as he responded. "What do ya mean that you don' know where Grimmjow is?" "Na, na. We'll go an look for 'im. Ya stay an' keep lookin afta Nnoi-nnoi, 'kay? No need for 'im to go missin' too." Pressing the 'End Call' button, he turned toward me. "Hime-chan, Imma gonna go outside an' check an' see if Pantera's sensin' any trouble on Grimm-kitty's end. I got a bad feelin' bout this."

Orihime sat there, worry etched on her face. Oh no, I hope that Grimmjow is ok…

But no one could've been prepared for the truth.

/

Orihime sat in the passenger seat next to Gin as they frantically searched the streets around the bar for Grimmjow. When Gin had checked to see if Pantera he found her anxiously pacing the room, her big cerulean eyes filled with worry and agitation. It was then that Gin realized just how much trouble that Grimmjow was in- and the pair had been searching ever since. Finally they reached the bar, with still no sighting of Grimmjow. And they were both starting to worry.

"Gin, I think that we should get out and search for Grimmjow on foot. I mean, when he's drunk he can't wander very far- but the places he can go can't all be seen from the car. I think it would be the fastest way to find him." Gin looked over to her and nodded his head in assent. Orihime was out of the car in record time.

At first she just wandered randomly, hoping to find some sight of Grimmjow. And then suddenly she ran into something and was tackled to the ground. A young teenage boy looked up at her, his eyes frantic and large. Tears poured out from his eyes and his lip trembled. "Miss, pl-please h-help m-me. He-he's bl-bleeding. S-so m-much re-red and blue. An-and- pl-please help him. I-I can-can't tell anyone… But ple-please you have to h-help him. H-he t-tried to h-help me. PLEASE." And then the rest of his words were lost in a sea of tears. He stood up-still crying- pointed in a different direction and ran away. She stood there a moment before his words came back to her "and blue". She whispered the words, tasting them on her tongue," And blue."

And then she ran- ran as fast as her feet would carry her. And then she saw the blood. It was splattered along the ground- stains of crimson that penetrated the darkness of the night. Orihime followed the blood slowly as she entered an alleyway.

And then she saw it.

It was Grimmjow, his limbs spread out around his body- his entire form looking like a rag doll. His cerulean locks a beacon against the gray concrete. His eyes were blank as his skin began to turn a deathly pale. But the worst part of the image was his chest. His shirt rode up slightly to reveal his stomach- and the white of his shirt was stained with his blood- the bullet hole a gory image that painted itself on her eyelids. This was true horror. Flashes of Grimmjow from before: strong, powerful, deadly, vicious Grimmjow- the warrior, the Espada of Destruction. And there he lay in a pool of his own blood- the vitality and life drained from his eyes. And then she screamed.

"GRIMMJOW!"

AN: Yes I know I'm evil. But I gotta have something to keep you guys reading right? Also, if you guys feel like im taking too long to update send me a message and be like "Bitch update your story" and that will get me to do something. REVIEW AND THE NEXT CHAPPIE WILL COME FASTER.

-Sincerely, Emily