"Ulquiorra", Ulquiorra's head began to throb the second he heard Nnoitra's voice. He slowly turned his face as emotionless as always. He faced the number 5 espada with cold and calculating eyes. Ulquiorra was on his way to bring lunch to Orihime when Nnoitra called out to him, "Oi, if you're goin' to see that girl would you mind if I came?", Ulquiorra didn't trust the way Nnoitra's eyes flashed as if he already knew the answer. Ulquiorra debated with himself on whether or not he should allow him to follow or to dismiss him as nothing more than an annoyance, again. He chose the first option.

"Nnoitra, you may come but do not annoy me any more than you already have." Ulquiorra said still unemotional.

"Why thank you Ulquiorra", Nnoitra said bowing till he was parallel to the floor.

Nnoitra was acting completely uncharacteristic, and Ulquiorra knew it. He just didn't care enough to try to figure out why. Nnoitra was playing with something in his pocket. Sighing Ulquiorra turned to Nnoitra and glared at the tall lanky arrancar with unmasked disdain. Ulquiorra not wishing any harm upon his charge pointed his finger at Nnoitra, and through him to the opposite direction, said "this is close enough to the woman quarters I will allow you to get. Leave now or I'll kill you." The threat held no emotion, which is why it sent shivers down Nnoitra's spine.

Nnoitra staring at Ulquiorra, and through hit to the enormous doors down the hall that led to what Nnoitra considered his game said, "now, now, Ulquiorra, there is no reason for threats. I mean the girl no harm", Nnoitra started fingering the item that was in his pocket with vigor. Nnoitra disappeared. Ulquiorra was unsurprised when Nnoitra appeared behind him. He turned to face the now released form of Nnoitra.

"Nnoitra," Ulquiorra said pointing a finger at him, "what do you believe you can do?"

Without missing a beat Nnoitra said, with his large smile getting even larger, "This", Nnoitra lunged with four of his arms. Ulquiorra easily deflected the attacks, and grabbed one of his arms and pulled him toward himself to hit him with a point blank Cero. Ulquiorra noticed too late to counter, but Nnoitra had pulled out the item that was in his pocket, a small cube.

"Damn," Ulquiorra muttered as the Caja Negacion sent him away.

"Now," Nnoitra said to himself with a smug smile, "off to see my game"

Nnoitra started down the hall to Orihime's room licking his lips.

"Miss Halibel," Orihime whispered. Orihime was scared. On moment Halibel was talking to her and the next she was staring at the exit with a murderous stare. Since Halibel didn't answer Orihime tugged on the little clothing that she wore. That got Halibel's attention.

"Orihime," Halibel said turning to the human girl, "please go into that corner over there," Halibel pointed at the far right side corner.

Orihime did as she was told. Orihime didn't know what to think but her eyes widened with fear when Halibel drew her Zanpakutō with her right hand and created a Cero in her left. Orihime didn't know what happened next but there was an explosion and a shout of surprise that turned into a yell of pain. When the dust caused by the explosion cleared Orihime saw a tall, lanky, one eyed, and now apparently thanks to Halibel a one armed arrancar. Halibel spoke first.

"Nnoitra," Halibel said with disgust covering her voice, "why are you here?"

Nnoitra glared at Halibel as he squeezed the amputated arm, "Halibel! What the hell are you doing here", Nnoitra stood up glancing between the two women.

"I should kill you for your disregard of Aizen-sama's orders." Halibel said matter-of-factly.

"God damn Halibel did you need to cut of my arm!", Nnoitra yelled as he picked up his severed limb.

"You always go on about your Hierro being the strongest, so I thought it would stop my blade", Halibel said as she sheathed her Zanpakutō.

"You bitch, why are you here?", Nnoitra demanded as he stared at the two women.

Orihime thought she saw Halibel smile as she said, "just here for some female companionship." Halibel's tone changed from sarcasm to serious "you should leave"

And with that warning Nnoitra took off down the hall.

"Umm, thank you Halibel", Orihime stuttered as she got to her feet.

"Don't mention it Orihime", Halibel said as she started to leave. "Oh, and Orihime," Orihime looked at Halibel, "that was Nnoitra, stay away from him".

Orihime sat down on her couch as she watched Halibel leave. Why did she protect her? Why did she have to? Why didn't Ulquiorra?