Ulquiorra looked out the window of his room, feeling the approach of his sister and Ichigo.
The monumental waves of energy he had felt earlier than woken him. He was accustomed to her fighting, but the energies of her and Ichigo combined had indicated to him that they had done some serious battling. He could feel her adrenaline still pumping furiously through her. He smiled to himself. He would ask her about it in the morning, he decided as he laid back in his bed.
|(|)|
Ichigo sat against the boulders not far from the riverbank. Sachiel was at the water's edge, washing her hands and her sword. Straightening, she pulled a cloth from the back of her sword belt, using it to dry off her sword.
She walked over, taking a spot next to him on the soft moss, both of them silently watching the clear, starry night overhead. Sachiel looked at him from the corner of her eye.
"What are you thinking about," she asked.
"You," he admitted.
"Oh yeah? I'm interesting enough for you to think about?"
He looked at her. "You had me worried when you took on four of those demons by yourself. Especially when you started looking like you were getting tired," he said.
She shrugged. "I did fine. Besides…you've been fighting along side me for over two months now. You should know that I don't go down that easily," she said, looking back up at the stars. She reached behind her, taking out her hair clasp and pulling her long hair loose.
He stared at her, studying her profile as she gazed skyward. Feeling his eyes on her, she looked back at him. "What?"
He blushed suddenly. Sachiel tilted her head, an eyebrow quirking up. Grinning, she rolled over onto her left knee. Ichigo looked away. Coming closer, on her hands and knees now, she looked at him curiously as he kept trying to look away from her. "Are you blushing?"
"What? No!" he denied.
Sachiel began chuckling. "You are…you're blushing Ichigo."
Looking at her, he blushed a bit more, averting his eyes. She was very close to him. He could feel the heat from her body and her gaze. Moving his head to the side, she moved closer to him.
"Tell me what you're thinking about," she whispered close to his ear. He jumped back a little.
"Why are you so close to me?"
"Because…I can be. I have you wedged between me and the rock behind you. And I want to know why you're blushing so badly. Even by moonlight, I can see it."
Looking up, he sighed. There was no getting out of it. It wasn't like he had never been around a female before but this female made him feel different. She wasn't overly pushy or rough; she wasn't needy or helpless. Looking her straight in the eye, he said quietly, "I was just…wondering…what it would be like…to kiss you." The last part came out barely audible, lower than a whisper.
"You're wondering what 'what' would be like?"
He said a bit louder, "…to kiss you."
Sachiel sat back on her heels, a slightly confused look on her face. "You want to kiss me?"
Ichigo's nod was barely perceptible.
"Why would you want to do that?"
"Because…I like you. I like you a lot."
She got close again on her hands and knees, grinning at him again. "You like me?" she teased.
"Yes…" he answered. "You're a great fighter, a great friend. Over the past months in your alternate world, being with you constantly, fighting alongside you…I like you as more than a friend."
She leaned in a bit closer, her face just a few inches from his. Ichigo could feel her breath on his cheek as he looked to the side, ready for any rejection she might throw at him. However, to his surprise, she brought herself across his lap, her face just under his, her eyes looking deeply into his own. He met her gaze, letting her read any emotions she might find there.
Sachiel said in a whisper, "Then kiss me, Ichigo Kurosaki. I will accept it and return it with my own."
Ichigo's heart soared at her words. Without needing any more prompting but still blushing, he cupped her face gently in his hands and slowly lowered his mouth to hers, his eyes closing as their lips met.
Ichigo felt as if time stood still as he kissed her softly. Feeling her hands on his chest, she leaned a bit more into him, her mouth opening slightly. He felt her tongue against his lips seeking entry into his mouth. He opened his mouth slightly, his own tongue greeting hers. Her tongue was soft and sweet against his, hesitant at first before both grew a bit more bold and deepened the kiss. Her hands moved from his chest to behind his neck as he wrapped an arm around her, holding her close. He leaned over her, his other hand supporting both of them as he lowered them onto the moss.
Ichigo couldn't believe how bold he was being with her but it felt right to him. Kissing her was making his head spin wildly.
Breaking the kiss, he said breathlessly as he gazed into her eyes, "I think I'm falling in love with you."
Sachiel's eyes widened. "You have to be sure, Ichigo," she whispered. "You have to be sure because…I have more that I need to tell you about me before we go any further."
Ichigo looked confused as she sat up, eyes wide with fear as she moved away from him. He suddenly began to feel unnerved.
"What more do I need to know? I know how I feel about you, what I feel when I look at you. We spent over three months together in your world. I know all I need to know about you," he said.
"Do you know my name, Ichigo," she asked.
"Yes. It's Sachiel," he answered. "It's also the name of angel, Renji told me. An angel who betrayed heaven, was capture…"
He didn't finish as she did it for him. "Captured, hidden from judgment by my brothers, returned and imprisoned in a cell with Ulquiorra who tended my torture wounds every night," she finished, emptiness in her voice.
Now he was really confused. "You?"
She nodded, looking away. "I have been given a chance at redemption," she said. "To be in service to the very creatures I killed, to atone for the harm I did."
"But you had a family…children," he said.
"And I was discovered in that other world where my brothers hid me," she said. "My brothers were forced to bring me back for my punishment. I blindly followed one brother, lost my grace, then offered it back by another."
"But…"
"I had a daughter to teach me the miracle of life; to treasure that precious and fragile gift. I was allowed to see her to womanhood. The brother that I so blindly followed, found and ripped that from me. I was brought here to serve him again but my other brothers and Father intervened. He didn't forget my transgressions and ordered my punishment. I knew what I did was wrong, that I had to pay the penalty for it. I never cried out, I never screamed. It was a deserved punishment."
"You're mortal. You can die, right?"
"No, she cannot," another voice said.
Both turned, seeing two men standing there.
"I felt your emotions, sister. I thought I would come to see why you are so sad," Uriel said to her. "Gabriel decided to come as well."
"I see. Ichigo," she turned to him. "These are my true brothers, Uriel and Gabriel."
"You're angels, too," he asked.
"Yes," Gabriel answered, stretching his wings out behind him. Sachiel and Uriel both looked at him, rolling their eyes in unison.
"You would know us as celestial guardians, Ichigo Kurosaki," Uriel explained. "Well, Gabriel, not so much."
"Right…"
"He doesn't believe who I am," Sachiel said quietly.
"It's not that I don't believe you, Sachi," Ichigo said. "It's…just…hard to swallow."
"What did you just call her," Gabriel asked, changing the subject.
"Sachi…why?"
He turned to Uriel, the man smirking at Gabriel. "Told you, Gabriel."
"Told him what," Ichigo asked.
"Is she, Ichigo?"
"Is she what?"
"Is she your sachi," Gabriel asked him.
"She is. I feel that very strongly," he answered.
"What's his nickname for me got to do with anything? It's just a shortened form of my name," Sachiel said.
"It's more than that, sister," Gabriel answered.
"I don't understand."
"In his language, it has another meaning," Uriel explained.
"That aside, why was Sachiel brought here with Ulquiorra," Ichigo asked.
"She told you. Redemption. She has to redeem herself before she can rejoin our ranks," Uriel said patiently. "If you accept her, Ichigo, she will have completed that part. But if you do, you have to be willing to commit to her as well."
"Commit?" they asked in unison.
"Marry," Gabriel answered.
"MARRY?"
"Yes," Uriel said. "So think carefully before you tell her of your feelings, human."
Sachiel turned to Ichigo, seeing the doubt begin to fill his eyes, feel it filling him completely.
"Has this ever happened before," Ichigo asked the angels.
"Not in the whole of creation," Uriel answered. "Our brethren once fornicated with humans but never has an angel been given a second chance."
"Not to the extent that Sachiel has been given. Michael pushed for it," Gabriel added. "Needless to say, she is without a doubt, Michael's favorite and Father's treasured."
"And if she doesn't find her redemption?"
"I go back to my cell for another millennia," Sachiel answered from where she was sitting. "Another thousand years for my punishment to be meted out. Another thousand years of having my flesh stripped from my body."
"Yes," Uriel said quietly.
"So this is dependant on me?"
"No. You were the best choice but there are two others who would also be able to help her."
"I didn't come here looking for a wife," Ichigo said.
"The choice is yours, Ichigo," Uriel said as he and Gabriel faded from sight.
"I didn't…," he repeated, sitting next to her.
They both sat there for a while after her brothers left, deep in thought. Sachiel sat with her face buried in her knees, not letting him see her tears. To her, it was a hopeless wish to find her redemption in a human.
After a while, she felt composed enough to speak to him. "I understand if this is something that you cannot accept. I understand even more if you should rethink or even retract your earlier statement." She made to stand, yelping in surprise as Ichigo caught her hand, pulling her across his lap and holding her close.
"I'm glad you told me this, Sachi. And, if anything, this makes me doubt many things but I don't doubt my feelings for you. Those are something I can never doubt," Ichigo said.
"But you said…"
"I know what I said. But what I do know is this," he said. "I don't want to think about you being there in that cell if there was something I could have done to prevent it. The thought of you being punished for a thousand years makes me angry. And I would miss your smile, your laugh…the way you make me feel."
"Aren't you poetic," she teased.
He blushed. "Not usually good with words, ya know. So take what you can get," he whispered.
She laid a hand against his cheek. "I'll take it," she said with a smile.
"Good. Now close your eyes," he said.
She did, feeling his lips against hers for a moment before he deepened the kiss, putting everything he felt for her into it. She whimpered as she felt his emotions through their link.
As he pulled away, she looked into his eyes. "I love you, too, Ichigo."
He smiled. "You better. 'Cause you're stuck with me for a long time," he teased.
"Same goes for you. We better get you back," she said.
"It's kinda early, isn't it?"
"You call 3:00 am early," she asked.
"Wow! It's really that time," he asked back.
"Yeah. I got work later until two," she said. "I need sleep, though. I feel like I've been up for two weeks."
"You ok? You don't usually seem tired," he commented.
She shrugged. "It's probably coming around to that time," she said. "That the only time I get like this."
Ichigo blushed, realizing what she was talking about.
"It's normal in this body. Or so they tell me," she said, taking his hand.
"So…you can have children," he asked.
"Yup! I just need a father for them," she smiled.
"Well, we'll have to hold off on that until after I'm out of school."
"There's no rush, Ichigo. No rush to get married or to have children. We can take the time to get to know each other," she said to him.
"Good. 'Cause I would like to have you to myself for a while," he smirked.
"Ditto," she said, jumping into the air as she released his hand, her wings spreading out behind her. Ichigo laughed as he took her meaning. "Minx," he whispered as he chased after her.
|)|(|
Ulquiorra looked across the table at Sachiel. She looked tired to him, more so than usual. Even so, he couldn't help noticing how she would smile, touching her lips now and again.
"How did patrol go last night," he asked. Sachiel said nothing, lost in her thoughts.
He cleared his throat. Nothing. He did it again, louder this time. That did it.
"Hmm? Got something in your throat, brother," she asked.
"No. I asked a question and when you didn't answer, thought I would get your attention."
"Oh! I apologize. I didn't hear you."
"Obviously since you were smiling, off in your own little world. What have you got on your mind that has you so distracted?"
"Nothing really. Memnoch showed up last night," she said.
Ulquiorra's brow quirked slightly. "And?"
"He tried to get me to turn again. He was quite convincing this time."
"And?"
"And…I handed his butt to him," she commented casually, taking a bite of cereal.
"There's more that you aren't telling me," he said, waiting patiently.
"He had Ichigo ambushed."
"Kurosaki won?"
She nodded. "Then, he spawned waves of hollows and demons at us both."
"The fact that you're here in one piece tells me you won."
She nodded again.
"What else?"
"What?"
"Something else happened."
She blushed, ducking her head. "Yes, something more happened, but it has nothing to do with the patrol," she said.
"He's committed?"
"Well, we haven't ironed out everything. It just happened. I thought for sure when my brothers came…"
"Brothers?"
"Gabriel and Uriel."
"What did they want?"
"Just to talk to Ichigo, to back up my story," she explained.
"And?"
"And I thought he was going to run."
Ulquiorra smirked. "If there's one thing that I know about Kurosaki, it's his resolve to see something through. Even after I killed him, he came back and defeated me."
"Would you destroy him if you had to?"
"How do you mean?"
"Even though I doubt Memnoch, he is still human, brother," Sachiel said. "He still can be possibly be turned."
"I don't foresee that happening."
"Why?"
"Did you not look into his heart? The heart and soul of that man are pure," he answered.
"Truly?"
"I believe so. I can't claim to be an expert on the man but from what I've seen, he doesn't do things for his own advancement. Rather, he does what his heart tells him."
"Well, that's reassuring," she said.
"Indeed."
"How are you feeling," she asked.
"Sore," he admitted. "I should be ready by the weekend."
"That's good news. I've been thinking of what you said about Memnoch being in the ritual room. I think I might spend my few days off out at the dig site, nose around," she said.
Ulquiorra nodded to her.
|)|(|
That next morning, Sachiel and Ulquiorra spent it exercising his muscles and getting him ready for weekend patrol. In the afternoon, she went to work and that evening found her at the excavation site with Ulquiorra, Renji and Jo. Sado, Ichigo and Ishida were surprised to see her walk into the tent with Jo, both setting equipment down at the far side of the tent.
Despite there not being any significant discoveries that week, Sachiel had stressed to the professor, her need to help him with the cataloguing and guiding the students from overseas who were helping. This allowed her to stay close to the dig site and search the ruins at night. This, she did after Jo and herself had taught everyone the dance moves for the dances that would take place that weekend.
Ichigo had been particularly surprised to see her in their tent, asking her why she was there. After explaining it to the three, they thought nothing more of her sharing their tent. They did, however, exclaim about the use of an outdoor air mattress to sleep on. So, by midweek, Sachiel had had Ulquiorra and Jo bring three more for the men to sleep on.
As Friday rolled around, the camp was swarming with those who had learned the dance moves and were eagerly preparing for the festival the next night.
She helped the three pack up early, leaving her mattress and sleeping bag behind in case she should need it again. With the festival on everyone's minds, it was hard for anyone to concentrate and so, they had called an early day. Since she wasn't needed at the store with Sado and Ishida pulling her work load, she had the time to get them. Ulquiorra was now fully healed, leaving Ichigo without anything to do besides what he came for.
She loaded the last bag, sighing to herself. She was tired, really tired. She would need a nap. Luckily, she would have a good six hours before having to make dinner tonight, so she had time. She turned to get the guys and almost jumped out of her skin, yelping.
"Jumpy," Ishida asked. "I didn't mean to frighten you."
"It's fine," she said, blushing a bit at being caught unawares. "Is everyone ready?"
"Yes," he answered, pushing his glasses up. "I had a question for you, though."
"What's that?"
"Are you seeing Kurosaki?"
She looked confused.
"Are you and him an item?"
"I'm not sure what we are yet. He's only intimated that he likes me," she answered. "So, I guess that means…we're friends still?"
"Nothing more?"
Now she was really confused. She knew Ishida was a friend of Ichigo's but what was with all the concern?
"Why do you ask," she asked him.
Ishida stopped, suddenly growing flustered at her abrupt question. "I…that is…"
"Are you spying on him for someone," she asked, her head tilted to the side, trying to read him. It clicked. During their training, Ichigo had mentioned that the girl he had saved in the hollow world was dating again after many months.
"So, you're dating her," she surmised.
Ishida's jaw fell, his eyes wide as they showed his shock. "How…you know she's dating again?"
She nodded, "Ichigo mentioned it."
"I see," he said, pushing up his glasses as he tried to compose himself.
"You want to prepare her for when he does find someone. She isn't over him, is she," Sachiel said.
"Not entirely but to your first question, yes."
"Rest easy," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Ichigo and I are friends, Ishida. Nothing more at this time."
"Kurosaki," Ishida exclaimed, looking over the slayer's shoulder.
Sachiel tensed, turning to see Ichigo duck his head but not before she saw the hurt in his eyes. "You guys ready," he asked in his usual gruff tone. "Sado's coming. We should get going."
"Yeah, it's pretty hot already," Sachiel agreed, walking around him to the driver's seat.
On the way back to the house, she could feel his sadness through their link. He hadn't fully learned how to utilize it but she knew it well. She knew she had hurt him, but at this stage, they weren't really anything more than friends. Yes, he'd professed to falling in love with her, but after throwing all that information at him almost a week ago, she felt the need to back off from him.
Parking in front of the house, the men gathered their bags and went inside, Sachiel following. She sighed as she felt the cool air, making her way up to her room. She really just felt overwhelmed. A nap would be great.
She lay on the bed, thinking for a while of the sadness in Ichigo's eyes; sadness that she'd caused. She sighed again. She should apologize, lest it cast a pall over the festive mood of the coming holiday. A knock on her door broke her thoughts. Opening the door, she saw Ichigo standing there, the sadness still evident in his eyes.
"Ichigo," she whispered.
"Can I come in?"
"Of course," she answered, stepping aside.
She closed the door slowly behind him, turning with her head down. She couldn't face the look in his eyes anymore. "Sachi," he started, only to find her fingers pressed against his lips.
"I know why you're here and…I can only apologize for what I said, Ichigo. His question surprised me is all. I didn't know how to answer."
"But that night…"
"I know but we never really discussed anything bout how we would tell everyone."
"I care for you, Sachi," he said, gathering her in his arms. "I know I want this with you."
"Then…you want to be exclusive?"
"Yes."
"What about the shinigami you love?"
"It was a dream. One I can't have…could never have."
"Because of me?"
He smirked. "Idiot. She's a spirit. I'm not. You are not a spirit."
"No, I'm not a spirit," she smiled, wrapping her arms around him as well. "I'm a fallen angel."
He pulled back, putting a hand to her cheek and looking tenderly into her eyes. "No," he whispered. "You're my angel."
She smiled, pulling him to her in a hug as her arms wrapped around his waist. She relished the feel of his warmth, his firmness against her. She'd missed hugging someone, she'd missed that close contact. She yawned.
He pulled away from her, noticing for the first time, the dark circles under her eyes. "When was the last time you slept," he asked.
"I slept a bit last night. I've been doing research," she answered.
"But your lab is now our room."
"I moved it. That's all."
"Where?"
"It's under the house."
"Like a basement?"
"Something like that. I was about to take a nap. Care to join me?"
He tensed. "In your bed?"
"Isn't that where people usually sleep," she teased. "Come, Ichigo. I promise nothing will happen."
"Alright," he agreed, taking her offered hand.
She moved to the bed, letting go of his hand as she climbed back into it. She moved to the far side, patting the empty space in front of her. Ichigo moved toward the bed slowly. He suddenly felt nervous, his palms sweating. He lay down slowly, gathering his hands over his stomach as he lay there staring at the ceiling.
Sachiel giggled, making him blush. "I'm not going to bite, Ichigo," she said, laying down next to him. "Have you never shared a bed with anyone?"
"No," he answered.
"Oh." She suddenly felt mischievous, a small smile playing across her lips. She wound her fingers into his. "Does this make you nervous?"
"No." He still wouldn't look at her.
She moved a bit closer, laying her head on his shoulder. "This?"
"No."
She unwound her fingers from his, placing her hand on his cheek, turning his face to her. He looked at her, locking his eyes with hers. She slowly placed her lips against his, giving him a light kiss.
"Be at ease and sleep, Ichigo. We both need rest," she murmured against his lips. She settled herself in the crook of his arm, resting her head against his chest, her hand over his heart.
Her breathing quickly deepened, evening out as she fell asleep. Ichigo watched her for a few moment, surprised when a faint glow began to radiate from her. His eyes began to droop, tiredness seeping into him. He covered her hand with his, turning toward her slightly as he, too, fell asleep.
|)|(|
Sachiel woke several hours later, a feeling of warmth around her. She's turned on her side in her sleep. Ichigo had spooned behind her, his arms wrapped around her, his knee between hers. She smiled to herself, feeling joy that he's be so protective even in his sleep.
She squirmed a little to see if he'd wake. When he didn't, she slowly untangled herself from his arms, instantly missing his warmth. Changing her mind about getting out of bed, she snuggled back into his arms, her head against his chest. She let the sound his heartbeat lull her back to sleep.
And the sight of the two sleeping together is what greeting Ulquiorra when he came to wake her for the evening meal.
"Sister," he called mentally.
"Ulquiorra?"
"It's almost dinner time," he said audibly.
The sight of Sachiel's tousled head popping up from behind Ichigo made him smile slightly.
"Time to wake, sleepy head," he said with a smile in his voice as he turned away, shutting the door quietly behind him.
Jo was waiting out of sight, a smile on her face as she waited for confirmation of what he had told Ulquiorra. His nod was all she needed.
"Yes," she exclaimed, pumping her arm against her side. "You owe me five bucks."
"Do not."
"Yeah huh! I won!"
"We never agreed on a bet."
"That's sneaky," she pouted as she walked toward the stairs.
"Would you settle for this instead," he asked, grabbing her arm and pulling her to him, his lips capturing hers. He let her go after a few seconds, smirking slightly at the look on her face.
Jo was shocked. Usually, a kiss between the two was her giving him a kiss on the cheek, never anything like this! She smiled at him. "That works, too," she said, turning around and bounding down the stairs.
Renji, Sado and Ishida were waiting for them in the outdoor dining area.
"She wake up," Renji asked.
"Yeah," Jo answered, taking a seat.
"Sachiel will be down shortly," Ulquiorra added.
|)|(|
Sachiel watched Ichigo sleeping. She smiled as she noted that even in his sleep, he scowled. She ran her fingers lightly over his brow. His eyes drifted open, blank for a moment before he registered who he was looking at.
"Hey," he said softly.
"Hey yourself," she answered. "Did you sleep alright?"
He didn't answer, pulling her to him in a hug. She giggled as she felt him nuzzle against her neck while in his embrace. She returned it by holding him close to her.
"I slept really good," he murmured against her neck. She pulled back, smiling at him. She pressed her lips against his for a moment before Ichigo deepened the kiss.
"Sachiel!" she heard in her mind. She jerked away from Ichigo, confusion on his face.
"We better get going. My brother is getting impatient."
"Alright," he said, letting go of her.
She followed him off the bed, grabbing a hair tie off the dresser as they went out the door.
They were holding hands as they went out onto the patio, everyone staring at their joined hands.
They stopped short, staring back at everyone. "What? Never seen two people hold hands," Ichigo asked gruffly.
Ishida cleared his throat. "I thought Sachiel said you were just friends."
"Well it's still new to the both of us," Sachiel said. "In the beginning of this past week, we never had a chance to see each other or discuss how we were going to tell everyone."
"Well, I'm happy for you both," Jo said, sitting down, her hand finding Ulquiorra's. The arrancar stared at their joined hands for a moment before lacing his fingers with hers.
"I'm starved," Sachiel said. "What's for dinner?"
"It was your turn to cook," Ulquiorra said.
Sachiel paled. "I forgot," she whispered. "I don't have anything planned or prepared."
"I can make curry," Ichigo offered. "It's spicy, though."
"What do you need for it," she asked, moving to the fridge.
Ichigo started listing off ingredients, Jo moving to help Sachiel them all. Before long, Sachiel was chopping vegetables while Jo had set the rice to cook after washing it. Ichigo was beside Sachiel, slicing the meat.
Within an hour, the rice and curry were done and set on the table.
"It smells good, Ichigo," Sado said.
"Yeah, it does," Jo agreed.
"Since Ichigo doesn't really like spicy food, it's not as spicy as it probably should be," Sachiel said. "Dig in!"
She surprised Ichigo by taking his plate from him, serving him before herself, waiting on him throughout the meal. She took great care to make sure he had what was needed to have a good meal. Her attentions were not lost on the others around the table but no one made comment.
Just before everyone was finished, she jumped up from her chair, going to the freezer and bringing out a large tub of ice cream to thaw slightly for dessert.
"What flavor is that," Renji asked, finishing off his second helping of curry.
"Strawberry," she answered. Everyone but she, Jo and Ichigo snickered.
"What's funny?"
"Ichigo means strawberry," Ishida explained. "In our most common dialect."
Sachiel giggled.
"I bet you got teased a lot, huh," Jo asked.
"More than I care to remember," Ichigo answered. "My hair color cause me a lot of grief when I was younger. I was always thought of as a trouble maker because of it. I wasn't usually but if someone picked a fight, I fought back."
"That's how Ichigo and I met," Sado added.
"I can't imagine anyone being mean to you, Sado," Sachiel said, sitting down next to Ichigo.
"I've always been big. I had a lot of people try to fight me just to prove themselves. They usually ganged up on me. Ichigo stepped in to one of those fights. He saved me quite a few times."
Sachiel smiled, taking hold of Ichigo's hand. "How did you meet him, Ishida," she asked, turning toward the Quincy.
"I wanted to prove I was better at exterminating hollows. We were in high school at the time," he answered.
"Ishida set hollow bait out. We had a war, so to speak," Ichigo added.
"Who won," Jo asked.
"It was a draw," Ishida answered. "A menos grande appeared. Ichigo caused him to retreat."
"What's a menos grande," she asked.
"A class of hollow. Like the one I evolved from," Ulquiorra said. He went on to further explain how hollows evolved and their different classes.
"So, you were the strongest class of hollow," Sachiel asked.
"Yes. Ichigo's hollow form defeated me, however."
"Someday, we're going to have a rematch," Ichigo said with a smirk.
Ulquiorra stared at him for a moment before a corner of his mouth quirked up. "Someday."
"Oh, so wait," Jo interrupted. "How did you get a hollow form? Doesn't your soul have to be corrupted?"
"From what I understand, when I was a spirit form, I began to transform due to the pain of having my chain of fate severed," Ichigo answered. "Somehow, I overcame that to become a shinigami. But every time I was at or near defeat, my hollow would take over."
"So are you a shinigami now that Sachiel restored you?"
"Not entirely. Although the training I went through with Sachi re-woke something like my shinigami powers I had before. I just can't reach that final level again."
"In time, you may," Sachiel said quietly, looking at him.
"Hey," Renji interrupted. "I think the ice cream's melting."
Sachiel turned, getting up and grabbing it while Jo fetched the bowls and spoons. They set it all on the table, clearing the other dishes before Sachiel began to serve.
After dessert, the sun had set low enough to elongate the shadows around them. Everyone broke after dinner, going in different directions. Ulquiorra and Sachiel walked to the river, sitting on the small ledge that hung just over it.
"Half moon tonight, brother," she said.
"Yes."
"Do we go?"
"New moon is still a few weeks out."
She moved to lay on the grass, propping herself on her elbows. "There have been no indicators," she said. "Mayhap we can spend a night indoors."
"None?"
She shook her head. Ichigo and the others were inside, finishing their unpacking. She flopped onto her back, looking up at the serene night sky that was still darkening, the last rays of the sun being overcome. She stared at the stars that began to peek through the dark curtain of night.
"What will you do, brother," she asked.
"How do you mean?"
"When you earn your redemption. What will you do?"
"I think that answer is pretty obvious," he said, laying back on the grass with her.
"Yeah…I guess it is," she said, smiling up at the twinkling stars.
Ulquiorra glanced sideways at her. "And you?"
She looked at him. "I don't know. It's different for you than it is for me," she said. "For you, it's acceptance and repentance. For me, it's sacrifice and penance. This is my penance, protecting that which I once harmed. Sacrifice will release me, death will be my rebirth."
"Death?"
She nodded. "When I am reborn, I will take up my mantle once more but sacrifice will be my redemption."
"Isn't that the same thing," he asked.
"No, brother. I don't know what I am to sacrifice but I know I will not die. At least not for a while."
"How do you know this?"
"They won't let me die as long as I dwell in this realm. I know one thing, though."
He looked at her again. "I want a family. I want a child or two. I miss my daughter," she said.
"Having a child to replace one that was lost is not a good idea," he said.
"The baby won't be a replacement. Although, it would go a long ways in easing my heart."
Ulquiorra sighed. "I never had children. But I believe I would want some."
Sachiel smiled at him. "I think you'd make a good father."
He sat up, looking out over the river. "Shall we wait until we get closer to the hour of release or shall we go fly now," he asked.
"You would give me that option?"
"I think you've earned it."
She rolled over, sitting up. "You really are a good man," she said, leaning her head on his shoulder, taking his hand in hers. "Thank you, brother."
"For what?"
"For being there for me through everything."
He said nothing, looking up as the night turned black, the stars illuminating the sky with brilliant pinpoints of light.
|)|(|
Ichigo stood at the patio doorway, staring at the picture the two presented. They seemed an unlikely pair, but in the few weeks he had interacted with Ulquiorra, he saw a different side of him.
"They must be talking again," Jo said behind him.
Ichigo jumped in surprise, his heart racing.
"Sorry," Jo chuckled. "I didn't mean to scare you."
"It's fine," he answered after catching his breath. "I was just thinking."
"About? If you don't mind me asking."
"Those two," he said, pointing his thumb over his shoulder.
Jo looked to where he pointed. "They do make a strange pair, don't they?"
"Yeah. His kind is basically a demon in our world."
"Sachiel is also a demon if you think about it," Jo shot back. "Fallen angels are considered demons in her world. But they have another chance."
"Why? Who gave it to them?"
"Michael," was all Jo said.
"Michael?"
"Her true brother," Jo answered. "The right hand of God. Sachiel is an archangel, like him. She was the last created, so he sees her as his little sister. It tore at him to see her punished as she was for believing in her other big brother, Lucifer. He went against God's wishes to have her tortured for eternity. He offered Ulquiorra redemption if he could help Sachiel find her faith, her own heart."
"Then she'll be forgiven?"
"No. She has to die to be reborn and truly forgiven," she said. "To earn her redemption, she has to make a great sacrifice."
"Sacrifice what?"
"No one knows. Her brothers do, but won't say."
"That's bullshit."
"She doesn't have free will, Ichigo. She isn't human and has a much higher code of honor that binds her to fulfill her duties here. If she turns again, the world is in really big trouble."
"How so?"
"She is the only angel capable of annihilating the world and reforming it in a different course."
"That's why they want her back so badly."
She nodded. "Yes. But if she had a reason to stay here on this side, she would never return to that."
"And that's where I come in," Ichigo said.
"Yeah. If your heart is pure, your intentions equally so and you keep your commitment, they will never have her. Love her, Ichigo. Love her with every fiber of your being and never lose sight of those feelings."
"I'll do my best," he promised her. He began to talk toward the pair when Jo grabbed his arm to stop him. Ichigo looked at Jo, about to ask why she stopped him when she said, "Watch."
Sado and Ishida came up behind them, also watching.
All four kept their attention on the pair by the river, noticing the waters beginning to glow in silvery blue. Sachiel floated above the waters, her wings outspread as she began to sing. Water trailed up toward her in silvery arcs, coalescing into a silvery ball over her before breaking into a silver shower that fell around her. More spouts formed, all of it carrying the same silvery glow. The water swirled and spiraled around her, dancing in time to her song. As her song began to end, the waters began to slowly recede back into the river, losing the glow as the angel floated back toward Ulquiorra.
"That still amazes me," Jo said, turning to the men. All three were standing there with their mouths open. "Oh, come on! After all you guys know, that surprises you?"
"I think it's because we've never seen that before," Ishida answered.
"Good point."
She walked past them, making her way to the ledge where the two were sitting again. She sat next to Ulquiorra, the man automatically taking her hand in his. She looked at him in surprise.
"What?"
"Nothing," she said, leaning against his shoulder.
Sachiel glanced at the two from the corner of her eye. She could feel the tug of mischief playing at her heart. "Jo?"
"Hmm?"
"I need your help tomorrow."
"Ok."
"For what," Ulquiorra asked.
"None of your business, Nosey," Sachiel said smartly. "It's girl stuff."
"And?"
"Ulquiorra Schiffer! I do not have to tell you everything I do," she said.
He gave her a droll stare, waiting. And, as always, she relented.
"Fine," she said. "I want to take Jo to the city to find an outfit for tomorrow. Get 'purtified' as Cathy says."
"Not necessary," he responded.
"Yes, it is," she shot back.
"Is it for him?"
"Maybe."
"Then I'll take them into the city as well, to get them appropriate outfits," he said.
"Ok, but you can't peek!"
"I won't," he promised.
She smiled, giving Jo a thumbs up as the girl grinned. Both women jumped as Ishida came up behind them, saying, "I can sew something for myself."
"Ishida! You should not sneak up on people," Sachiel scolded.
"I apologize," he said, sitting on the grass next to them. "I didn't mean to scare you. But I am an accomplished tailor."
"Ishida can sew most anything," Ichigo said.
"He's particularly good at sewing women's clothes," Sado added.
"No offense, but I really want to take Jo shopping," Sachiel said.
"Yeah," Jo chimed in, mock anger in her voice. "I never get to go shopping."
"Alright," Ishida said, holding up his hands in surrender.
"Wanna take a walk, Ichigo," Sachiel asked.
"Sure."
"Guard up, Sachiel," Ulquiorra said to her as she began to walk away with Ichigo.
"I know. They're up," she answered before resuming her path.
"Guards," Ishida asked.
"Sentries," Ulquiorra clarified. "Look there." He pointed into the distance, a single white light softly pulsing.
"That's a guard?"
"Yes, Sado. Sachiel created sentry sensors when she took up this area. They're laid out in a grid that sense demonic activity. Best of all, the demons can't see or sense them either."
"How far do they extend?"
"In a fifty mile radius. Everything within fifty miles of this house is monitored by Sachiel," Jo answered.
"That's a pretty big area," Ishida said.
"That's why there's two of us," Ulquiorra responded. "Three if you include Kurosaki."
|)|(|