Chapter 15:

It had only been a few hours since their last conversation when his kidnapper retuned. Ichigo was just dozing off when the door opened, jolting him awake again. "Is it meal time already?" He asked wearily, moving to sit up straight.

"No. It's time to go." Before Ichigo could ask what he meant the man grabbed his arm to keep it steady before sliding a needle into him. Ichigo's eyes widened and he stared at the needle as it was pulled out, only managing a choked noise of shock before passing out, hearing one last sentence from the man. "I hope this time is different."

The sound of a door woke up Ichigo again although this time he knew something was wrong. He couldn't see anything, wherever he was the lights were off and he couldn't see anything. It was then he realised he had been gagged and tied to a chair. If he could've made a sound he would've groaned. How many times would he wake up bound and gagged?

Ichigo stiffened suddenly at the sound of footsteps. Listening intently he could tell the person was in front of him. They were walking cautiously so the likelihood they knew he was here was slim. Ichigo started moving in his chair, trying to make a sound but he could barely hear it, yet alone the person walking around. He groaned, the sound coming out distorted and again barely audible.

"Ichigo?" A voice. Ichigo lifted his head in the direction it came from, hope blossoming in his chest. It sounded like Grimmjow. But what was he doing here? How had he found him again so fast? "Ichigo is that you?" There was no denying it, it really was him.

He tried to respond, but as he did there was a blinding light and Ichigo covered his face, hiding his against his arm. Slowly he opened his eyes, blinking in the harsh light and slowly his eyes began to adjust. "Ichigo!" He jumped at the sound, turning his head to find Grimmjow banging on a glass wall. The thing covered the distance across the entire room and Ichigo's heart sunk, yet again they were so close yet so far from each other. Another mind game by his kidnapper. Grimmjow took a moment to take Ichigo in, his face showing the anger he must be feeling. "Hold on, I'm going to get you out of there."

Nodding in response and looked at the area behind Grimmjow. Spotting a table he nodded at it and the man turned to see, walking towards it. Just as he reached a hand out to the table a voice rang through the room and Ichigo jumped, wincing as his restraints held him in place.

"I wouldn't touch that. At least, not yet anyway."

"What is it?" Grimmjow asked. Ichigo looked around for the source of the distorted voice, spotting a large speaker on the other side of the glass. Form what Ichigo could tell his side was smaller, only a fraction of the area Grimmjow stood in.

"You'll know in due course. But first, let's explain the rules."

The lights went out across the glass. Only one remained above the table and the lights on Ichigo's side and he swallowed thickly. Something bad was about to happen. Another test, another game and if Grimmjow didn't pass… Ichigo tried not to think of the consequences.

"One, you have only two choices there is no other option. Two, if you break the rules you both die. Three, you have five minutes to decide before the choice is made for you so use the time wisely. Your time starts now."

A rushing noise drowned out the static form the speakers and Ichigo turned his head towards the sound to see water gushing into the room, spreading across the floor towards him. It took him only a few moments to realise the water wasn't being drained and panic started inside him.

"So what's the game?" Grimmjow asked. "There is a game right?" The water had covered the floor now and Ichigo could feel the water soaking through his shoes. To make matters worse it was freezing and a shiver ran through his body. Whatever Grimmjow had planned better be good, and it better happen soon.

"The game is simple, one of you must die. The choice is yours Mr Jaeggerjaques. Either Ichigo will drown or you will die to save him, the syringe you see is filled with poison, it will kill you within minutes. Save his life by taking your own or watch him die, the choice is yours."

Ichigo's heart seemed to stop as an icy cold filled his chest that had nothing to do with the water. How could he even ask Grimmjow to chose like that? The thought of dying scared Ichigo almost senseless, but the thought of Grimmjow killing himself to save him was just as unbearable. There was no good choice unless he could somehow escape, or the glass was broken. Ichigo could only hope Grimmjow had a plan.

Grimmjow didn't say anything, he just stood there with a blank expression on his face. Ichigo however was struggling with everything he had but it was pointless, his restraints didn't budge. In the space of a minute the water had risen halfway up his legs and finally Grimmjow seemed to come back to his senses.

The man had grabbed the table and Ichigo flinched as he threw it against the glass. Nothing happened, the table bounced off harmlessly, not even a scratch. With another jolt Ichigo realised the water had risen past his knees and he made a strangled noise, starting his struggle again. Looking up he saw Grimmjow on his knees on the floor but had no time to wonder what he was doing.

The water was rising fast, faster than it had been moments before and now Ichigo could barely breathe because the icy water had reached his chest, stealing his breath. Glancing at Grimmjow again he forgot about the water entirely because the man had his hands pressed to the glass and Ichigo could see the syringe in one of them. He started shaking his head, terrified of what Grimmjow was going to do. Surely he wouldn't, he couldn't do that to himself.

"I've got to do it, I've got to save you. You understand right?" Ichigo shook his head harder, violently yanking on his wrists but all he succeeded in doing was making them bleed. "Stop Ichigo you'll be free in a minute."

Grimmjow pulled away form the glass, the syringe gripped tightly in his hand and Ichigo's heart gave a horrible jolt and tears began filling his eyes. He wanted to say something, anything, but even if he could've he didn't know what to say. The thought of Grimmjow dying was too painful yet he was about to kill himself and there was nothing Ichigo could do to stop it.

"Live your life Ichigo, do that for me ok? Live it to the fullest you can, promise me that." Ichigo didn't respond, he couldn't. The water was almost at his shoulders now and finally he understood. Grimmjow couldn't stand by and let him die, just as he wouldn't be able to if it was reversed. All he could do was keep Grimmjow's promise. So he nodded, ignoring the face that tears spilled over his cheeks as he did. He received a smile in response. "I love you."

And then he injected the poison into his arm.

Ichigo couldn't look away, he couldn't even close his eyes as the string fell from Grimmjow's hand and fell to the floor. A second later the water level started falling and once it had all drained away the glass wall slid down. His restraints were released and without pause Ichigo got up and ripped off the gag, stumbling over to Grimmjow who had fallen to his knees.

"Stupid! Stupid thing to do!" Was all he could say, his throat constricting with tears. He managed to catch Grimmjow as he collapsed completely and pulled him onto his lap. "Hold on ok, we'll get you to a doctor and everything will be fine. Just hold on a bit longer for me." He knew it was only words, but Ichigo couldn't let go, he couldn't just watch Grimmjow die like this.

Grimmjow laughed and the sound lifted his heart, even if it was a weak sound. "Sorry Ichigo, I wont be making that promise, I can't keep it."

"Shut up and save your strength." He whispered back, a small smile crossing his lips but nothing amused him in the slightest. "I love you too by the way." Grimmjow didn't respond and the small elation he had felt disappeared instantly. The man did open his eyes however and was looking at Ichigo with a desperation in them. Swallowing again, Ichigo did the only thing he could think of to comfort them both and leaned down to kiss him. Just before their lips met however a door opened and Ichigo jerked back in surprise.

"You did it."

Ichigo knew that voice and dread filled him. It was his kidnapper, probably back to kill him to and finish the job off. He looked up, his expression hardening as he did. However when he found the man his eyes widened in shock because he knew him. The man wasn't wearing his mask anymore and know Ichigo knew why he was so familiar, it was Grimmjow's superior, Ulquiorra Cifer.

"You!" He managed to say, the surprise in his voice evident. "B-but you're a detective aren't you? You work with Grimmjow!" Ichigo didn't understand. How could this man be his kidnapper, how did no-one know? Who was he?

"Bastard!" ichigo jumped at the hoarse insult from Grimmjow and looked down at him again in worry.

He flinched as Ulquiorra crouched down next to them but otherwise ignored him. "Yes, it was me. I'm surprised you didn't figure it out sooner, but you were close, too close and that caller for drastic action. I should be thanking you really, after all, you finished it."

"Finished what?" Ichigo asked, his eyes not leaving Grimmjow who seemed to be struggling to remain conscious. How long did he have left?

"Everything." Lifting his hand Ichigo's eyes widened with fear when he saw the gun he held. Seeing his expression, Ulquiorra smiled which didn't comfort Ichigo in the slightest. "This isn't for you no need to worry. I suppose I should explain everything shouldn't I?"

Ichigo gripped Grimmjow tightly as the man's body relaxed. He needed a doctor and fast but Ichigo knew he couldn't move because Ulquiorra had a gun and he didn't think he would get very far if they didn't listen.

"Love." He said in a disgusted tone. "This notion people cling to, this invisible force that gives people hope and strength. It is nothing but a fantasy. I have seen what love can do. It can tear apart a person's world, their life. It can kill and it can destroy. Why would anyone want that? And yet, it's the one thing everyone wants is it not? But that was the point in Mr Heart, what he stood for. Love didn't exist. How could any of those people truly have loved their partners when they couldn't, didn't save them? Do you know how many people have made it this far before? Two. And neither of them could do what Grimmjow did." Ulquiorra crouched down next to them and Ichigo stiffened, leaning over Grimmjow protectively. "None of them could persevere, face their fears and pain to save someone they supposed loved. None of them sacrificed themselves the way you did Grimmjow. I applaud you for that."

"So you did this to what? To prove that love exists?" Ichigo asked, his voice rising in disbelief and anger. "Well are you happy now?! Has Grimmjow proven anything to you?!" He stopped abruptly as his emotions rose, cutting him off. This is why Grimmjow would die? For a man's sick obsession with love?!

"He did." Ulquiorra replied quietly, his eyes fixated on Grimmjow who looked half conscious now. "He proved that even though I never managed to understand this concept of love, I at least got to witness it at its deepest level. Thank you."

Before Ichigo could say or do anything else Ulquiorra had lifted the gun and with one loud, echoing bang, killed himself. He flinched as blood splattered across his face, choking on a sob. "T-this is insane!" Ichigo almost cried, shaking his head.

So it was Mr Heart after all. Ichigo couldn't understand it, he and Grimmjow weren't married, they hadn't been together long hell they hadn't even gone public. So why did he choose them? Somehow Grimmjow had passed the tests because he loved him? Looking down at Grimmjow he gently stroked the side of his face, relieved to see his eyes flicker at the touch.

The ringing in his ears had finally died down after the gun shot but now he could hear something strange. With a frown he listening intently. It sounded like a wailing of some kind and his eyes widened as he realised what it was, sirens.

"Grimmjow!" He said in excitement, gripping the man tightly. "There's sirens! Everything's going to be ok, just hold on they're coming!" The excitement drained as he looked at Grimmjow when he didn't respond. "Grimmjow?!" Nothing, his eyes had closed and he was limp. "Grimmjow!" Ichigo sobbed, shaking him roughly. "No! No you can't die, you can't do this! Help is coming just hold on ok, hold on for five minutes please!"

Pulling Grimmjow into his arms Ichigo held him tightly, pressing his head to Grimmjow's. All he could do was hope Grimmjow was still alive, hope someone could save him.

The door opened again after a few minutes and Ichigo finally looked up and sighed in relief when Nnoitra burst into the room. Scanning the room he lowered his gun when he saw Ichigo, frowning at them. "What the hell happened?" Holstering the gun he crouched down next Ichigo, his eyes landing on Grimmjow and his expression darkened. "Is he dead?"

"I don't know." Letting out a shaky sigh Ichigo composed himself enough to press his fingers to Grimmjow's neck. He almost cried in relief when he felt a pulse and nodded so Nnoitra could see. "Yes, but his pulse is weak. He needs a doctor."

"What happened?"

Ichigo looked around, spotting the now empty syringe and grabbed it, passing it to Nnoitra. "It's a poison of some kind. He injected it maybe five minutes ago."

"Shit." The man cursed, pulling out a radio. "Medical Team needed at my location ASAP." He looked at Ichigo again. "So where's Mr Heart?"

Ichigo frowned in confusion, not understanding then he realised, Nnoitra didn't know about Ulquiorra. He pointed at the dead man and Nnoitra's eyes widened in surprise. "Start at the beginning, everything you know."

"But Grimmjow-"

"Will be fine." He reassured. "Nothing we can do until the Medic's get here."

Nodding, Ichigo collected his thoughts before relaying everything he could remember to Nnoitra, starting with him being kidnapped and ending with the man finding them only minutes ago. The more he spoke, the graver the older man looked and once he was finished, Nnoitra sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair.

"Shit." He said again. "I can't believe we didn't know." His radio came to life with a burst of static and someone relayed something to him. "Copy that." Standing up, Nnoitra looked at Ichigo carefully. "Medic's are outside, I'm going to let them in ok?"

After a moment's hesitation Ichigo nodded. Two people walked in wearing green uniforms, a man and a woman. As they approached them however Ichigo panicked, his grip tightening on Grimmjow. When they tried to take him away, Ichigo refused to let go. "W-where are you taking him?!"

The woman crouched down next to him and he flinched when she placed a hand on his shoulder. "He needs to be taken to a hospital."

"I'm going with him." She gave Nnoitra an exasperated look, which Ichigo didn't miss. "No I'm going with Grimmjow! You cant take him away from me!" He didn't have the strength to fight and the second medic managed to take Grimmjow from him. Ichigo tried to stand, to follow but as he did Nnoitra placed a hand on his chest. "Get out of the way!"

"Ichigo he'll be fine I promise."

"He poisoned himself! He's going to die and you want to take him away?!" Ichigo struggled against Nnoitra who was now holding him back. How could he not understand? Why would he take Grimmjow away when he was going to die any moment? "Get off!"

"Trust me ok?" Nnoitra huffed and finally Ichigo stopped struggling, he went limp in the man's arms and was almost dropped. "Woah Ichigo!" Slowly he helped Ichigo regain his balance. "I need you with me ok?" he finally said in a quiet, more calm tone. "I need to help me. Answer the questions and let them check you over and then I can take you to the hospital for Grimmjow. I promise he wont die before you see him again."

Ichigo looked up at the tall man doubtfully, but he believed him and nodded. Nnoitra just sighed in relief before pulling out some photo's to show him.

"Do you know either of these men?"

Ichigo took them and his eyes widened when he saw the two men in the photo's were dead. "What happened to them?"

"We found them dead in the room just outside. Have you seen them before?" Ichigo shook his head and handed the photo's back. "Did you see anyone but Ulquiorra at any time?"

"Only once, someone was wheeling a gurney past my cell. I don't know who was on it but the man wheeling it was talking to Ulquiorra about something… a device I think." Nnoitra just nodded, rapidly scribbling down everything Ichigo said.

"Is this the first time you've been out of your cell? Were you with Grimmjow before at the hospital?"

"Hospital?"

"Grimmjow said you were with him at the original Karakura Hospital, that you tried to escape but were knocked out before you could." Nnoitra rose an eyebrow. "Did that happen?"

"Yes, I didn't know it was a hospital." Ichigo thought back to the abandoned halls and dusty rooms. Now that he thought about it, it did seem like a hospital. Shaking his head Ichigo tried to think of anything else. "I talked to Grimmjow once too, on a radio."

"I know, he told me about that too but Grimmjow was drugged on some sort of hallucinogenic. We couldn't be sure he really did talk to you."

"What about the hospital, you didn't believe him about that either?"

Nnoitra sighed and looked at Ichigo. "He was being framed. The evidence in his apartment was overwhelming and all signs said he was Mr Heart. Lucky for Grimmjow I know he's not smart enough to pull that off, unlike Ulquiorra here." He shot the dead man a nasty look. "I let Grimmjow go and he came here. Lucky thing huh or you could be dead."

"Yeah…" Ichigo shivered and wrapped his arms around himself. The doors were propped open now and cold air was blowing into the room. It seeped into his wet clothing which were also cold from the water and he shivered again. "Thanks for saving me then. Listen, do have something I can change into?"

Nnoitra gave a hint of a smile. "Thank Grimmjow not me, if he pulls through. And yeah I do, come on once your changed the Medic's will give you a check over and we can go."

He readily agreed to this and followed Nnoitra out of the large room. He was led into another room down a corridor where he waited for the other man to return with fresh clothes. Once he was changed Ichigo was relieved to feel the warmth returning to his body and was now anxious to get back to Grimmjow. He didn't know how much longer he had left and Ichigo wanted to be with him.

Throughout the examination Ichigo found himself unable to remain still, tapping his foot or fingers whenever he was forced to sit still. The moment the medic said he was fine Ichigo jumped up and looked at Nnoitra eagerly who nodded with a smile. "Come on then, let's get to the hospital."