Tainted
Chapter 7
By: Midnight Lost
Authors Notes: It seemed in my rush to post the last chapter I forgot to add some notes and such. Not sure why the last half of the previous chapter was in Italic. Anyways, to those wondering what "Tentou Reikyuu" means, its roughly translated to Heaven's Coffin. Fitting name considering what it does. Without further a due, here is the next chapter. Enjoy ^^
Aizen was nothing like Tatsuki had expected. Even after being shown all of Orihime memories. Needless to say she was even a bit envious, even more so when she discovered that Orihime didn't just serve the man but was also engaged to him. Reluctantly Orihime had to return to the human world, leaving Tatsuki under Ulquoirras care and guidance. Having relayed her best friends strengths in hand to hand combat, she left it up to Ulquiorra to train her the way he had aided in training Orihime. Tatsuki saw the Fourth Espada as a sort of enigmatic mystery. He never explained anything about himself or anything else in general other then what was at hand. The more she thought about it, he didn't talk at all really. She couldn't place it, but it gave him sort of a quality she found attractive.
Ulquiorra didn't waste any time getting to her training. Mere hours after Aizen had presented her a room near where Orihimes was, her training started. Given a similar uniform to Ulquiorras. During their first training session, he was pleasantly surprised with her existing prowess. Despite being a human she showed remarkable hand to hand combat skill like Orihime had described to him. Not to mention her ability to catch on very quickly with only being shown a handful of times also sped up her training. Much like Orihime before her, Tatsukis reitsu began to rise rapidly. Though she didn't get the pleasure of training with the others as Orihime did.
Days quickly turned into weeks as her training continued. With each passing session it was showing more and more how much she was improving upon herself. During one of her visits Orihime had delivered on her promise and taught her how to execute the sonido technique she had used. It didn't take Tatsuki long to master it and use it in her training against Ulquiorra. During all this, Tatsuki also took it upon herself to try and get the Fourth to open up a bit more. She had succeeded to a certain extent. She found that she could get him to talk a bit more if she cornered him, but at the same time she didn't want to push it too much. While she had grown considerably stronger then she used to be, she was still no match if he decided not to hold back.
"So, how did Orihime get so strong in a short amount of time?" Tatsuki asked during one of their breaks in between sessions.
"Aizen-sama used the Hogyoku, which increased her power considerably." he answered shortly, but continued as he could already see the idea forming in her mind. "There is much risk involved before you consider it an option. Inoue-sama was lucky in how it turned out. Otherwise she could have been turned into a Hollow or been killed."
"And if I agree to take the risks?"
"It is not for me to decide. That is reserved to Aizen-sama and Inoue-sama."
Meanwhile, back in the human world Orihime had made much progress as she made amends to Ichigo and the others for coming across as too harsh perhaps. Rukia also unveiled what the Soul Society had set up to prevent the town from being destroyed in the war, which Orihime listened to intently. Taking note of everything. However, not everything went smoothly. Through what ever powers, both Ichigo and Rukia noticed her engagement ring at the same time and expressed this in unison causing Ishida to fall out of his chair. This put her in a rather awkward position as she fumbled for an explanation. Despite all her planning, revealing her engagement wasn't taken into account. So, she simply told them that she met someone that she fell in love with and had agreed to marry them, and that when the time was right she would introduce them to her fiancé. Not an exact lie. Seeing they wouldn't be able to get anymore out of her, they didn't push the subject. Orihime did catch a disapproving look from Ichigo, which she relished. At one time he would have been the only one for her, but that was before everything had changed.
Saying her good byes to her 'friends' Orihime returned to her small apartment. A smirk played across her face as she met up with Loly and Menoly.
"So how did it go?" Menoly asked.
"Perfect, except the two numbskulls were observant enough to notice my ring. So I had to reveal I was engaged, but not to whom." she stated. "For now, they are merely suspecting boys from the school. All though I suspect Kurosaki is jealous."
"So do you know how they are planning to defend against the attack?"
"Yes, I need to report to Aizen-sama immediately. Make sure no one comes barges in on me, I doubt I got rid of Ichigo and Rukia tonight."
With that, she locked herself in her bedroom and ensured the window was blocked before she activated her screen. Kneeling before it as Aizen came into view.
"Your report is early, has something happened?" Aizen asked, a little concerned her cover may have been compromised.
"No my Lord, but I have the details in which the Soul Society mean to use to defend against us. They plan on erecting four pillars around the town so it will be replaced by a false town. Naturally the pillars wont be visual unless attacked directly, but I know where they will be set."
"Very good." Aizen said approvingly. "Ulquiorra has informed me that your friend wishes to use the Hogyuko to speed up her training. How do you feel about this?"
Orihimes heart sank when she heard this. "Do-does she know the risks?"
"Yes, she has been well informed of what may happen."
"Then I will do it myself, with your permission."
"I expected as much, hurry back as soon as you can."
"Understood. There is something I need to take care of first. Are the Hailbal and Ulquiorra ready?"
"They are, and will meet with you as instructed."
"I will be there short-----" she was interrupted as shouting exploded from outside her room. Catching Aizens eyes giving a short nod, she turned off the device and rushed to the door. She knew full well what was going on. Throwing the door open she saw Ichigo and Rukia trying to force their way into the apartment. While Loly and Menoly were trying to shut the door on them.
"What is the meaning of this!?"
"We heard a mans voice."
"And that gives you the right to barge into my apartment uninvited? And for your information that mans voice came from the television you nitwits." she berated the two as she pointed at the small television in the other room which was showing a game show host introducing its contestants. "Now, it is best if you two leave…. Now."
Both of the shinigami stopped and looked hurt, Her words stung as she insulted them, but she had her reasons. They had tried to force their way into her home. Hanging their heads they backed out the door, expressing a meaningful apology before leaving.
Breathing out a frustrated sigh she turned to her two companions who were clearly as frustrated as she was.
"We only need to put up with this a few more days, and then it will all be over." she gave them a reassuring smile. It had been hard on the trio to keep their cover. With the battle coming closer didn't make it any easier. "I will be back later."
With that Orihime left to meet up with the waiting Espadas who were waiting outside the warehouses that the Vizards used as a base. They had made sure to stay far enough away to not attract attention of their targets. It only took her mere seconds to reach her destination. Her Sonido was on par with Starks, capable of covering great distances in one burst. When she arrived she saw Halibel, Ulquiorra, and Tatsuki waiting for her. She was a bit surprised seeing her best friend.
"She insisted on coming." Halibel stated.
"I see." Orihime said as she eyed her friend. "I don't think you are strong enough yet Tatsuki. So please stay out of the way."
It may of sounded harsh, but Tatsuki understood her friends concern. "Funny, a few months ago I would have been saying that to you."
"Suppress your reitsu, I will break through their barrier. Then I will go down first, wait five minutes then enter." Orihime instructed as they approached the large building the held the Visoreds. Reaching the building, Orihime placed her hand on the barrier and forced a small opening to allow the others to enter as well. Fully entering the complex, Orihime made her way down the stairs. As she expected, they were already tuned in on her presence within the barrier. She had ensured this by purposely raising her own reitsu to mask the others. As the group of former shinigami confirmed it was her they lowered the weapons.
"Good to see you again Hime-chan. We are relieved to hear you had escaped on your own." Hachi stated cheerfully as he plopped down in front of her.
"Though I must say it's a bit suspicious of being able to do so without no help." Rose stated looking a bit skeptical.
"I didn't escape on my own. One of the Espada helped me." she forced sadness in her voice as well as her facial expressions. "I think he was killed so I could escape."
"What do you mean you think?"
"Whe- When he opened the portal for us to return here we were attacked. He held them off so I could escape. The portal closed behind me. I don't know what happened to him."
Rose still wasn't fully convinced. He didn't suspect the young girl of anything but he did feel something wasn't right. There was no way Aizen would just let his captive just walk out, regardless if one of the Espada helped her or not. Something just didn't add up. He was taken out of his thoughts as the group heard the soft pad of footsteps coming down the stairs. Hachi forced himself off the ground and stood in front of Orihime as the two Espada came into view.
"You wont be taking her back this time." Hachi laughed as he began to work his kido spells. While the others focused their attention on the sudden intruders Orihime took the opportunity to charge up a cero blast. Firing at Hachi's back at point blank range. Stunned the others turned to see the large man with a gaping hole in his belly. Lisa was also unfortunate enough to be in front of Hachi, as the remaining force of the cero blast sheered half of her head off. Both fell to the ground with a heavy thump. Orihime stood there with a smirk.
"MASHIRO LOOK OUT!" Love exclaimed , but it was too late as Tsubaki flew in behind the green haired girl slicing easily through her neck. Decapitating the visored,
"So you would betray your friends?" Shinji asked in disgust.
"You mean the ones who abandoned me." Orihime spat as she raised her right hand. As she did particles formed in her palm. Gripping down on the energy within her hand her blade formed unsheathed. "I made new friends, and I can not have you interfere with Aizen-samas plans."
With that Orihime sprinted forward with surprising speed slashing at Shinji who was just barely able to block the attack. Orihime only smirked as she disappeared into a Sonido causing Shinji to be taken aback at her sudden display of power. When he had last seen her before her abduction she never possessed such abilities. She came out of sonido just to the side of him, throwing him off as he had expected her to come from behind. A deep cut to his side showed he was slow to respond. Knowing he couldn't hold back he summoned his mask to allow his full power to come out. Following up with a series of counter attacks which she deflected easily.
"I do hope your are not under estimating me." Orihime sneered as she deflected another attack. Shinji jumped back charging a quick cero before firing it off. The blast hit Orihime full on as she made no move to block it. Takata gasped as the blast hit Orihime, shrouding her in a thick cloud; though she was quick to notice that neither of the Espada showed any concern. A few seconds later she saw why as the cloud faded away, revealing Orihime unscratched.
"You are under estimating me. A costly mistake." she smirked as she summoned her shield, sending it flying towards Shinji. He raised his blade to block it, unaware that Tsubaki flew behind him, forming the pyramid around him.
"What the hell!?"
"You didn't think I wouldn't come up with new ways to use my powers now did you?" she mocked him as she closed her Tentou Reikyuu in on him, allowing him to realize what was about to happen. This also proved to distract the remaining Visoreds as the Espada took advantage, cutting them down while their guard was down. Effectively eliminating the visoreds, save for one. Hiyori Sarugaki.
"I told you under estimating me would be a costly mistake." she stated. "Tentou Reikyuu!" With that the pyramid completely closed in on him. Blood spurted out of his body as the pyramid closed in on him. Shinji's crushed body fell to the floor with a soggy thump, dead.
"We're done here. Let's…." she paused for a moment as she looked at the door. Someone else was coming down the steps, but it wasn't the remaining visored, it was Chad.
The large boy stopped for a moment as he summoned his own powers. He had arrived late, and at first glance assumed that the Espadas had ambushed them to recapture Orihime.
"Orihime, run! I'll hold them off!" Chad shouted to her, but the two Espada closed in on both sides of him too fast for him to see. Securing him where he stood.
"What shall we do with this one Inoue-sama." Halibal asked. Chads eyes widened in shock.
"We'll take him with us. I am sure Syzael will want to look into how his powers relate to a hallows." Orihime smiled as she opened the portal to Las Nochas. Letting who ever came by to stumble upon the mutilated corpses that now littered the warehouse.