Dance

"This way please, Rukia-sama." The arrancar maid gestured to a hall way.

Rukia walked down the hall way with maid close at hand. When ever she turned back to look the way the went, the maid would smile, showing off sharp teeth. A shiver ran down Rukia's back. The only time Rukia could be so close to escaping was now but with this maid...It seemed impossible.

Rukia slowed her pace, trying to prolong her "freedom" before she had to see Aizen. His imagine came to mind and Rukia quickly pushed it out of her head. She didn't even need to think about Aizen to get a bad feeling.

"Rukia-sama, please pick up your pace. Aizen-sama is expecting you." The maid said with a smile. Damn. This maid guessed her plan.

After many turns and many doors, the maid final stopped. In front of them was a large double door. Rukia guessed it was about 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The door had extravagant carvings on it, unlike all the other doors in Hueco Mundo.

The maid pushed the doors open by herself, which almost surprised Rukia, almost. She must have been hand picked by Aizen to make sure nothing would happen to her. The maid, standing next to the now opened entrance, bowed to Rukia.

"Please enjoy yourself Rukia-sama. If you need anything, Aizen-sama will be happy to help you." To my grave.

Rukia did not spare a glance to the maid. She inhaled some air and stiffen her back. She used her Kuchiki face now. Rukia heard the door close behind her but she did not bother to look back, her eyes were fixed in front of her.

A ballroom? The large white walls seemed to be miles away but Rukia knew she was exaggerating but still...A chandler hung in the middle of the room. Tables that held food were placed near the southern area of the room. Tables where you could sit at was located right next to it.

Large windows over looked the west side of the room, directly in front of her. The floor in front of it held many arrancar. Some were dancing while others stood and talked with each other. Some wore normal uniforms while other decided to get more dressed up.

And at the northern end...was Aizen. He sat on his throne, watching the crowds of arrancar. By his side was two familiar people. One was too familiar. His silver hair shone and a grin was plastered on his face. He leaned over and said something to Aizen.

Ulquiorra also stood by Aizen's side. Even at a distance, Rukia could tell his face was indifferent to the surroundings. He just stood there. She could imagine him being in a bad mood.

A hand tapped her shoulder. Rukia broke free from her thoughts to turn her head and see who it was. Grimmjow. His teal hair was obnoxious as usual, she thought to herself.

"Aizen wishes to see you." The espada said. Annoyance was the only tone in his voice.

He quickly lead Rukia to Aizen's side. Aizen stopped talking to Gin when he saw her. A smile appeared on his face. "Hello Rukia, You look beautiful tonight."

"Thank you." She spat.

"Hiya, Rukia-chan. Did ya miss me?" Gin said, his grin more wolfish now.

No."Hello Gin." She said with fake politeness. She addressed Aizen, "What is this lovely party for?" She inquired.

"Why, for you of course." Aizen said in a charming voice, "We wanted to celebrate you being here with us. We couldn't throw a party with everyone being here."

Party? For me? Come up with better lies. Rukia glared at Aizen. His lips curled up in a smile that gave Rukia a sick feeling.

"Rukia-chan, Why don't ya dance 'ith me?" Gin asked sweetly.

"I'd rather-"

"Don't be that way Rukia-chan." Gin said in a sing song voice. He turned and face her. A menacing look on his face accompanied his always present smile. He walked over to her and put his arm around her waist. He lead her to the dance floor.

Aizen watched the two leave. Without look at Ulquiorra he spoke. "We will start tomorrow. Watch over her tonight. We will need her in perfect condition."

"Yes, Aizen-sama." Ulquiorra said with out any emotion.

"She should enjoy tonight, to day is the last day of Rukia Kuchiki." Aizen sat back in his throne. Satisfaction gleamed in his eyes.

Ulquiorra stayed silent. The words Aizen said seem to weigh heavily on him as his eyes followed a violet eyed woman.

Gin was delighted. He felt like a fox who captured a lovely bird for a prize. His hand on Rukia's back while the other was held in her small hand. Unwillingly she danced with him. Her hair swished back and forth as their bodies twirled in a dance.

"Do ya like 'our dress, Rukia-chan?" Gin asked her. She shivered under his touch. Gin enjoyed this. Why was it so much fun tormenting the little Kuchiki? It didn't matter though, as long as Gin was having fun. "I picked it myself."

"Thank you for a wonderful dress." Rukia said not meaning a single word. Her eyes glared daggers at him. If looks could kill...He mused to himself.

"Yer welcome, Rukia-chan." He enjoyed saying her name, she always had that look of disgust in her eyes when he did. Oh how he would enjoy turning that disgust into fear...A movement in the crowd caught his attention.

A espada member seemed to be eying Rukia from the distant. The new number 9. What was his name again? Ah yes, Media Luna Mar. What was his interest with Rukia?

Gin looked in at him, their eyes met. Gin gave him a hug grin, taunting him. From a distance, Gin could see him stiffen. The espada regarded him with a cool look. He seemed to disappear in the group of arrancar. Interesting.

Rukia seemed oblivious to what just happen. All she did was concentrate on dance. Maybe she could forget she was here and who she was dancing with...Rukia noticed other dancers. Two in particular.

Astucia Espina was dancing with her fellow espada member, Grimmjow. He looked like he wanted to be anywhere else but in her arms. Rukia just realized how scary she can be if she got Grimmjow to summit to her and dance.

Something was strange about her now. Rukia notice her hollow mask got bigger. In cover her entire eyes and nose in a V shape. She reminded Rukia of a hawk now. Rukia wondered, did that mean that espada was growing still? Would she get stronger? Rukia did not like the possibilities of that.

Some one tapped Gin on the shoulder. Gin turned and look. Ulquiorra stood there. Emotional detached her said, "It was recommended I dance with her."

"Oh, what a shame. Save a dance for me again later Rukia-chan." He called to her. Gin began to walk over to Aizen. What is he thinking?

Ulquiorra slow put his hand on the her back. His hand dwarfing hers as he held it. Rukia looked at the clasping hands. It was strange...touching him. Rukia thought it was like dancing with a ghost. She felt like he would fade away. If he notice her strange fascination he did not say.

The music was slower then when she was dancing with Gin. Ulquiorra slowly lead them in the dance. His touch was gentle. Rukia would occasionally glance at him. Ulquiorra would also watch Rukia, but he hid it better. Out of the corner of his eye he would look at her.

Rukia tried to ignore th strange feeling she had where his hands were. Her senses were acutely aware of his touch. Her skin prickled under his touch. Rukia glanced at him once more.

Ulquiorra hands felt hotter then usual. He quickly dismissed any thoughts of it. He immediately thought he must be turning out more and more dumb because of this shinigami. She was looking at him again. This time he looked down and met her eyes. She held his gaze and did not look away.

Finally after what seemed like ages he broke eye contact with her. He looked off in the distance over her head. He saw the arrancars looking at him, questioning why would he dance with a shinigami? Those filth can think whatever they want.

Aizen and Gin watched on as well. Aizen seemed to look please. Gin had a smile plaster on his face like usual but Ulquiorra felt hostility. Another face drew his eye. Media Luna Mar stood by himself. His glare was directed at him.

Ulquiorra knew something was up. He didn't see the espada since the day he met Rukia. It was almost as if he disappeared. Ulquiorra did not trust him. Was he planning something during that time?

Ulquiorra did not know what was going on. He only knew one thing, He will protect Rukia. Motivated by his job given to him by Aizen or by his own feelings, he did not know nor did he think it mattered.

He glanced down at the small woman. She raised her head. Her unblinking eyes met his. Those eyes are so strange..They seemed to draw you in. It was almost...hypnotic?

The music stopped. Ulquiorra released his hold on her and took a step back. Their eyes still did not break contact. Did he see disappointment in her eyes? Ulquiorra noticed her skin was paler then when she first came in.

"Back to your room." He ordered. He motioned for the nearest arrancar to come forward. "Tell Aizen I am taking Rukia Kuchiki to her room. She seems tired."

The arrancar nodded and quickly went to Aizen's side and repeated the message. Aizen nodded to Ulquiorra, giving him permission to do so. Ulquiorra quickly walked out of the

room. He made the petite woman walk in front of him, so he was sure she would not get lost.

Once in the hall ways he slowed down his pace allowing her to walk slower. As slow as they were going she started getting behind him. To make sure she stayed with him, he held her hand and quickly lead her through the halls.

Rukia tripped. Her skin was covered in sweat now. Her body shivered. Ulquiorra did not think she could go farther in this condition. He scooped her into his arms and carried her. She buried her head into his chest. She was slipping into unconsciousness.

He quickly arrived to her room and kicked the door open. He laid her on the bed. Making her comfortable was the first thing he did. He then called one of the maids to bring a healer to see what was wrong.

He stood next to her bed as he waited for the healer. He remained calm. His eyes stayed on her body even when the door opened. The healer quickly took out some equipment and got to work. After she checked for ten minutes she turned to Ulquiorra.

"Aizen-sama said this would happen. Nothing other then what he said is out of the ordinary. She is fine." The healer packed up and left.

Ulquiorra stared at the unconscious figure. What was Aizen planning and what was happening to her?

"Gin, you seem excited."

"Of course. I get to nurse Rukia back to health." Gin had a nasty smile on his face. "Aizen, what exactly did you do to her?"

Aizen looked at his follower, " I just weakened her. Almost all her energy shall be gone tomorrow. She won't be able to fight. I was worried she might unleash her full potential too early if she was at full strength."

A figure hid in the shadow of a pillar, listening to the conversation.

"Found you." A sing song voice called out.

The figure was not surprised to see Gin next to him now. He stepped out of the shadows.

"Next time hide better, I never get to play a good game of hide and seek anymore." A menacing meaning hid under the surface of Gin's words.

Aizen look on with interest, "Heard anything you liked, Media Luna Mar?"

Thank you for all the reviews and favorites. I wonder if this story will ever end. Sorry for any spelling/grammar errors.