Tainted

Chapter 4

By: Midnight Lost

Authors Notes: As a reminder, this story does not follow the original story line of the Bleach series. It is an alternate story arc that follows Orihime and Aizens relationship.

The clash of swords could be heard echoing through the halls. Aizen watched Stark and Orihime continue to spar. It had been over three weeks since he had first given her the sword. While Ulquoirra and Hailbel were out on various missions, he had Stark train her in the use of swords. Though it was ultimately up to her if she were to master her own zanpaktu or not. Stark wasn't too thrilled with his new task, but obeyed his masters orders. Though he was pleasantly surprised on how quickly she was learning, as if something deep within her was driving her to master every possible technique. Within the first week she was able to anticipate his moves almost perfectly. Her uniform was torn and tattered from various cuts and slashes, the only time she used her own power during this was to quickly heal herself so they would not have to stop.

"You seem to have developed a strong interest towards her as of late Aizen-sama." Tousen spoke up from behind him.

"Of course, she is a very interesting individual; her powers are truly unique"

Tousen said nothing as he focused in on the battle below. Though he couldn't physically see what was going on, his minds eye painted a clear picture for him. Each sound they made only added more to the picture as the two continued their spar.

"I am concerned though, of her latest request. With all due respect Aizen."

"As am I, using the orb could have one of three effects. One, it could kill her. Two, it would fully transform her into a hollow. And then there is the third effect. Completely merging the lines between her and hollowfication. Allowing her to keep her form, but not become a Hollow."

"I see, and what if she has a change of heart and decides to go back to her friends?"

"There is little chance of that happening."

"How do you know this?" Tousen asked, a little skeptical.

"We had a long conversation about her friends over dinner the other night." Aizen stated. "You see, she feels they are the ones who betrayed her. Abandoning her, and with Nnoitra's disgusting behavior only strengthened her loyalty to me."

"How did his shameless actions strengthen her loyalty to you?"

"I was the one who rescued her, and gave her freedom. I believe she was reborn that day." He said thoughtfully.

Down on the battle field, Orihime continued to push herself. She could see Stark wasn't even trying.

"Typical" she thought, course she would expect this from the number one Espada. After another attack that was easily deflected she jumped back to re-compose herself. Grasping the pommel of her sword she steadied herself. As she did this, time seem to slow down; almost to a stop. Her eyes widened as she looked towards Stark, a woman had walked through his body. He didn't seem to notice. The woman slowly approached her, dressed in a elegant white gown, with a slit on one side all the way up to her mid thigh. She had lush, full lips and a slender nose. Her eyes were a enchanting blue, almost as if they glowed. Long white hair flowed behind her as if there was a breeze surrounding her body. Like her eyes, her hair seemed to give off a soft aura as well, making her look more like a goddess then anything else.

"Who who are you?" Orihime choked out.

"I'm afraid I cant tell you who I am, but I will tell you what I am." the other smiled, "You hold me in your hands young one. I am the embodiment of the blade you wield."

Orihime let out a gasp in surprise.

"You see, I have chosen you as my wielder, now it is time you learned how to use me. First step is simple, all you need to do is listen, and learn my name."

"How?" she asked, looking at her zanpaktu.

"Just listen, I am practically screaming it to you. Listen."

Orihime closed her eyes and focused. Scrunching her eyes as strained to listen. She froze for a second, she could of sworn she heard something, a faint whisper. She listened harder, hoping to catch it again. She didn't have to wait long. Opening her eyes, she saw time was restored back to its original form. She saw Stark beginning his assault onto her. Smirking she deeply inhaled.

"GLADIARIA ALATA!" she yelled. An explosion of power erupted, sending the Espada flying into the far wall. Dust and debris were kicked up in the air. Blocking everyone's view of her. Stark looked up in surprise. As the dust settled, Orihime stood there. Holding a different looking sword. It still had the same crystal appearance, however instead of just one blade, she had six small blades connecting to the longer main blade. She didn't give Stark time to recompose himself. Under Gladiaria's guidance, she launched a full assault, throwing the number one Espada off his guard.

(Authors Note: For a more accurate picture, she has Seven Blades from Angel Sanctuary.)

Aizen only smiled down at her. She was truly increasing at an exceptional rate. However he knew her reiatsu wouldn't be high enough in time of the war. He frowned some. That is why she requested to have the orb used on her. She knew very well the odds of it backfiring on her.

Elsewhere, an orange haired boy looked up into the sky lost in thought as the soft white clouds drifted overhead. He felt ashamed. He had been forced to leave his friend behind. Someone he had promised to protect. He replayed the events over in his mind, trying to figure out where he went wrong. He had her, she was in arms reach of him and then she was gone. His eyes widened. It took him nearly a month to realize what he had done wrong. She was right there, and he chose to fight instead of taking her and running. That was his mistake, and it was affecting him.

"DAMN IT!" he shouted into the air. His words echoed off the reservoir walls that held in the man made stream that ran through the town. He didn't notice a raven haired girl sneak up behind him.

"Still blaming yourself I see." Rukia said.

"It is my fault, she was right there and I chose to fight instead!" he spat. "And now we cant enter Hueco Mundo."

"Urahara is looking into other ways to re-enter Hueco Mundo. So we cant give up yet." she said as she placed her hand on his shoulder. Ichigo responded to this by simply placing his hand over hers. Through the past few weeks the two had become close, she had become his main support during all the things that were going on at once. "We'll get her back"

"I know." he said, not wanting to imagine what horrors Orihime must be facing alone.

Back in Las Noches, Orihime strode behind Aizen. It was time. Both said nothing as they approached the room Aizen used the Hogyoku to make new Arrcanars. It seemed they had walked through the long corridor for hours, when it had only been mere minutes. Finally they stopped at the door at the end.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Aizen asked. "You are well aware of the risks that you will be taking."

"Yes Aizen-sama." she replied and bowed her head. With that Aizen pushed open the doors and the two walked into the vast room. In the center was what appeared to be a glass box.

"You will have to leave your Zanpaktu with me, its own reitsu could interfere with the process."

Orihime nodded and removed Gladiaria from her waist and handed it to Aizen. Mentally telling her blade that she would return shortly. With that she had crouched down into the box and awaited. Closing her eyes she calmed her nerves the best she could. She didn't know if this was going to hurt, if she would die or anything. Once she was in position, Aizen placed the Hogyoku in the small slot, releasing his own reitsu into the orb. Almost immediately the power began to flow into her. She let out a surprised gasp as she felt enveloped in it. Her body began taking it in, as much as it could. She didn't feel any pain, instead she felt warm. Real warm. Steadily growing warmer as her body took in more and more power from the orb. Within a matter of minutes it was over. Aizen took the orb and stepped back and waited. He was concerned. A moment ago she had closed her eyes and hadn't moved since. He was about to approach her when her eyes shot open and an enormous amount of reitsu flooded the room, shattering the box she was in. Standing up she looked down at her body, making sure everything was in order. A sly grin spread across her face that would put Grimmjows cat like smirk to shame. The process had worked perfectly.

"It worked, Aizen-sama!" she exclaimed.

"I am pleased to see you are unharmed my dear" he stated as he handed her back her Zanpaktu. "No doubt you are eager to test your new limits. I think I may have a test for you."

She nodded as he led her out of the room, through the hallway until the exited another door which led to large rubble of stone and debris. In the middle, as still as a statue stood Szayel. Where he had been defeated by the 12th company captain. Not needing to be told, she ran out to where his still figure was. On command her fairies sprung forth, though she noticed something was different about them this time. Shaking it off she began to perform her healing technique on him. With her new found power it didn't take long to restore him to life, removing the poisons that were in his body. Upon being released he slumped down to his knees, shaking, exhausted. Then he recognized her.

"YOU!" he tried to grab her but she was too fast for him. Reappearing near Aizen again.

"That is no way to thank the one who revived you Szayel." Aizen commented. The 8th Espada looked terrified at the sight of Aizen standing there. He had failed his lord and master, his enemies had escaped. "Rest well Szayel, you will need your strength for the coming events."

With that both Aizen and Orihime walked away. Now she truly felt like a goddess. With her now limitless power there was nothing out of her grasp. Smirking she followed Aizen back into the large palace. As they walked, she noticed that Aizen looked as if he were thinking hard about something. She decided to voice her concern.

"What is bothering you Aizen-sama?"

He stopped and looked at her. "When I had left the Soul Society, I had stated that I would stand atop the heavens alone. However, I find that that particular statement to be false." He began, stepping closer to her as he spoke. "You see, I wish for you to stand on top of the world with me."

She blushed. In his own way, he was asking her to marry him. Slowly she nodded and looked up into his eyes. "If that is what you desire." she replied meekly.

"It is what you desire as well Orihime." he smiled. He could see the anticipation in her eyes. Leaning in, he pressed his lips to hers. She welcomed it. Breaking the kiss, he smiled down at her. "It is only right that a goddess should take her place and stand next to a god."

She smiled at this. As they began to walk down the corridor again she found it kind of ironic that she felt complete with the one who had started out being her enemy. She had always imagined that Ichigo would be her only love, but now his very name filled her with hatred. Now that she looked back, she realized he only ever paid attention to her when Rukia was out of danger. This in turn, spurred hatred for the raven haired Shinigami as well. With her new powers she would have them both on their knees. But all in good time, first she had to come up with a plan. After all, it would do her Lord any good if she tried to rush towards her revenge.

Additional Notes: I am terribly sorry for the long pause between updates. Sort of ran into some issues that I needed to take care of first. At any rate, with my issues taken care of for the most part, the updates as well as new stories that have brewing in my mind shall spring forth quicker now.