Hey everyone! I've decided to upload a day early because I can (And because it's my day off!). :) Before you start, I will warn you that this chapter... okay, one paragraph is sort-of graphic... but... I don't think it's any worse than a PG-13 rating still. The first part of this chapter was originally going to be posted as the end of the last one, but I felt it belonged better here. -Airumel (8/31/2012)

-Chapter 15-

Grimmjow was thrown hastily into a dark cell in the basement of the second division. He'd gone without a struggle, fearing any resistance from him may bring harm to Zezuri.

As a guard swung the door to his cell shut with a clang, the arrancar looked around. Three stone walls and heavily spelled bars surrounded him. He leaned on the bars cautiously; nope, no way he was getting out. Even if he had been at his full strength, this prison had been constructed to contain something even more powerful than him. Each of the walls seemed solid and no spots seemed to show even the slightest hint of weakness. He was trapped.

It was only when he almost tripped over her that Grimmjow found that Airi had been discarded in the cell with him. Alarmed that he hadn't felt her presence at all, he knelt down and examined his wounded comrade. She lay in a crumpled heap, as if she'd just been dropped on the floor by the guard. Grimmjow looked at her in pity; she didn't have much longer to live. Blood seeped from many a wound on Airi's body. Her right arm looked broken in more ways than just one. She drew very shallow breaths that ended in a gurgle, suggesting some internal damage as well. The rest of her hadn't fared much better; even the battle-hardened Espada had to look away at the sight of a bone sticking out from her leg as he laid Airi on her back. At least she'd go in a slightly more dignified way.

Renji was on his way to 6th division, dragging Zezuri along with him. "Please, I need to heal them! Airi is going to die!" she continued to struggle.

"Quiet! They're going to die anyway! Now stop wasting my time, Captain Kuchiki is waiting for us!" he said, losing his patience. He opened a pair of paper doors, leading to the captain's quarters. Not only was the 6th division captain there, but also Kenpachi and another woman who was healing his wounds after he fought Grimmjow.

"Captain Kuchiki, I've brought the girl." the red head thrust the girl towards the awaiting group of captains by her arm.

Zezuri looked up at them with fright, but continued her protest. "Just let me-!" she was quickly cut off by Captain Kuchiki.

"Silence!" he spoke harshly, "Are you working for Aizen, girl?"

"N-no! But it will take too long to tell you what I've been through! I need to help them! Please, I'll tell you everything if you let me heal them! It's all I ask!" tears welled up in her eyes again, although crying would not get through the austere captain.

"Captain Kuchiki, I think it would best if we let her go to them," the only female member of the group spoke softly.

"Don't be ridiculous, Unohana," the 6th captain retorted.

"She will be able to demonstrate her power to us, also she seems rather close to those two arrancar. Maybe they'll agree to tell us a thing or two," the gentle 4th captain spoke sternly.

"Fine, only just this once. And prepare to say your farewells," he said, storming out, Renji followed quickly behind.

Zezuri became even more distraught and cried into her hands. he then felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Come, we have no time to waste with tears," Unohana said gently.

Toshiro Hitsugaya couldn't believe he had made it out of the fight with his life. It was almost as unbelievable as Soi-Fon's aid. Between the two captains and the substitute, the three Shinigami had been able to drive back the pale-faced Espada he had struggled against.

Yet one thing that was even more unbelievable than these prior events were the words that had been hastily scrawled on a piece of parchment and left for him on his desk.

"MASUMOTO!" he yelled.

Soi-Fon had just returned to her division to find the Fourth Captain also arriving with Renji none other than the shinigami captive walking alongside them. Inwardly, she sighed, knowing that she wouldn't be able to rest or attend to her own wounds until she cleaned up whatever mess had just arrived.

"Good evening, Soi-Fon," Unohana greeting was polite, but her deep brown eyes suggested it was only a front.

"Can I help you?"

"As I hear, you've brought back some prisoners that are in need of medical attention. May we come in?"

Exactly what she'd expected to hear, "Does it have to be right now? It's the middle of the night."

Zezuri opened her mouth to say something, but the Fourth Captain spoke first as the calm smile left her face, "I wouldn't have come if this weren't urgent."

"Very well, this way," Soi-Fon strode off leading the way down into the dungeons of the second division.

After passing through so many different halls, Zezuri was sure they were not going to make it in time. She was beginning to despair when the Second Captain stopped in front of a large wooden door. "They're in here," she spoke and stood aside.

As Unohana opened the door, Zezuri could suddenly detect Grimmjow's presence. She held back the urge to call out and run to him as she followed the two shinigami into another dark stone hallway. It was only when they stood in front of the metal bars did she sense her friend's almost non-existent reiatsu.

"AIRI!" she screamed.

The captain of fourth let out a gasp, while Renji cringed at the sight of the female arrancar.

Soi-Fon had followed the group in and immediately called for the guard. She had a reputation to be rather cruel and heartless, but even this put a sour taste in her mouth. Words would be had with those who'd left the prisoner like this.

Unohana looked to the young girl standing next to her. Tears streamed down the brunette's face, it was clear to the captain that she cared very much about the two arrancar. As the guard scurried over and began to unlock the door, the captain spoke, "Why don't you let me take care of the girl? You see to your other friend."

Zezuri hesitated, her instincts told her that Airi was top priority, but she did have to admit to herself that she wasn't sure she could heal her friend's wounds fast enough. When the door was opened the two women rushed in.

"Z-zezuri?" asked Grimmjow, stunned. He was sure he would never see her again.

"I came to help you!" she exclaimed kneeling down by his side, "Let me heal you."

"I'll be fine," he tried to shrug her off. Now that he had been captured by the Shinigami, he knew the end was close. Even the brief moment of relief he'd felt when he'd first seen Zezuri faded quickly as he knew it would only be a matter of time before they'd do away with him. But Zezuri persisted and soon a healing light emitted from her hands and the Espada felt the pain receded as his cuts and bruises healed.

After assessing all the damage Airi had sustained, Unohana was beginning a high level spell to hopefully stabilize the girl before she slipped out of life altogether. Grimmjow and Zezuri watched the captain work her kido with a subtle confidence. They knew then if she wasn't able to save Airi right here and now, nothing would.

Minutes passed before Unohana stood up from her patient's side, "She'll make it, but she has a long way to go for recovery."

Zezuri let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. This was good news, she felt so relieved now. Her friends would be okay after all. Exhaustion set in and she slumped down to the floor.

Grimmjow caught her in alarm.

"Don't worry," Unohana spoke, as she lifted Zezuri up and guided her to Renji who was waiting outside the cell, "It's just a case of exhaustion, she just needs some sleep," she made to leave the cell.

"Shinigami," called Grimmjow.

The captain looked over her shoulder.

"Make sure you take care of her," he looked down at the floor and was silent.

Unohana smiled, "Of course." And she shut the door behind her.

The sky to the East was beginning to lighten as Soi-Fon lead Unohana and Renji, carrying a sound asleep Zezuri, out of the dungeons. As they reached the front gate to the Second division, four figures stood waiting for them.

"General-captain Yamamoto? Sir? What can I help you with?" asked Soi-Fon wondering if she'd ever get a moment to herself.

"Renji, you may leave with the girl," the elderly man dismissed the red-headed lieutenant before he spoke to the remaining group, "I'm here because of a strange report these two have made," he indicated two of his companions; Rangiku and Hanataro. "They claim they were charged with the duty of protecting the female arrancar you have in your dungeons. They were also quite concerned with her well-being as well, but I will assume that Retsu has taken care of that," he looked up at Unohana.

She nodded.

"Yes, I have the arrancar you speak of. What of it?" Soi-Fon tried to keep the annoyance out of her voice while she addressed the General.

"Tenth Division requests her transfer to their custody."

This was unexpected. Soi-Fon looked at the fourth member of the group, Hitsugaya. His face was grave, almost as if he didn't want to be here any more than she did. "Is that so, Hitsugaya?" she asked him.

He nodded, "My lieutenant is very adamant on this for some reason. And I am sure she is not spelled. Nor is Yamada."

"Very well then. Get her and then get out of my sight," Talking down to other captains was the norm for her. Today she would have loved to chase them off sooner, but the General's presence required her to maintain some manners. Grumbling inwardly, she led everyone back down to the dungeons.

Zezuri felt as if she had been sleeping for days as she crawled out of the shiki futon she had been resting on. She could barely remember where she was, by the looks of the sun creeping through the door, she almost thought she was in Karakura town again. It had been a long time since the brunette had seen the true sun. But then again, was it real? After all she was in the shinigami's world now, and nothing seemed like reality anymore.

Thinking through the events of the day before, she assured herself that Airi and Grimmjow were alright, but for how long? She scurried towards the door but ran into the red headed shinigami.

"Hey! Watch it!" he said gruffly.

Zezuri was not startled, as she was getting used to these kinds of surprises. "I need to get back to 2nd division's holding cell!" she managed to blurt out.

"Are you crazy? Besides, one of them has been moved to 10th division!" Renji informed her.

"Which one?"

"I dunno, that female arran- Hey!" he noticed Zezuri was darting past him to the door outside. "What's the matter with you?" he blocked her exit before she could reach it.

"Stop getting in my way!" she demanded.

"What do you think you can possibly do? Why are you so worked up about them anyway!" Renji was in a state of confusion and anger.

"They're my friends. I knew Airi before she was turned into an Arrancar! I won't let you kill them!"

"No way! I don't take orders from you!" the shinigami spat.

"You're no better than Aizen for holding me here! So stop pushing me around and get out of the way!" she said, having enough.

Renji finally had nothing to say, he really didn't understand what she was saying or what she had been through.

"Look maybe whatever Aizen did was unfair, but I can't let you go do whatever you want!" he exclaimed.

"What is going on here?" Captain Kuchiki asked sternly, entering the room.

"You! You can help me!" she said frantically.

"What makes you think I'd help you? You worked for a traitor. No one here will assist or trust you," he said with a not so pleased face.

Suddenly there was another presence behind the doors. "Come in Soi-Fon." Byakuya's eyes narrowed even more as the doors slid open.

"The Captain General requires the girl to come to 2nd division for questioning," she said as Byakuya could of cared less as long as he did not have to deal with the captive any longer. "Byakuya, your appearance is also necessary."

"I have more important matters to attend to, Renji shall go in my place as 6th division's witness," he said, leaving the room.

"Great..." Renji rolled his eyes.

"Hmph, very well. Follow me you two," Soi Fon demanded and flash stepped away.

"Come here." said Renji grabbing Zezuri by the waist and flash stepping as well.

They appeared quickly at the second division's quarters, as Soifon lead them down to a basement area. Most of the captains were there, General Captain Yamamoto standing out the most with the greatest spiritual pressure. Zezuri shook as all their eyes were on her.

"Sit here." Soifon showed her a chair in the middle of the room.

The brunette sat quickly as Renji joined his comrades on the other side of the room. Zezuri couldn't bring herself to look at anyone and gazed at the floor.

"Girl, were you kidnapped by Aizen?" Yamamoto boomed.

"Y-yes. I was at school and-"

"I do not need to know how. Kurosaki's report of Aizen in Karakura town that day, explains enough. Now, what did he need you, a simple girl, for?"

"W-well, at first he wouldn't say. But it became clear when he had us looking for the shards." she tried to explain.

"So why did he need the two of you?" the ancient man seemed to be looking into her soul.

"I-I guess only one of us could sense the shards. But they turned Airi into a Arrancar! They were always testing us like lab rats!" she started to become angry.

"I see, I was unaware that he was capable of such a feat. Do you know why you can sense the shards?"

"I don't know... But my body seems to react unusually when I am near them..." the night when she touched the shard was still a blur to her.

Yamamoto seemed to whisper something in Soifon' ear that moment, she nodded.

"Bring in the other!" she ordered a nearby shinigami. Grimmjow was brought in as he was tied with numerous ropes that could hold the strongest of hollows. Zezuri whirled around in her seat, relieved he was still alright.

"Where's Airi?" she then asked.

"She is still recovering," the 2nd captain said, as Grimmjow was brought to the center of the room as well.

Zezuri felt as if her heart would pound out of her chest as she looked at her Espada. He seemed tired, they must of been giving him a hard time as he looked to have no fight left in him, "Grimm..." she finally spoke.

"Hey there..." he gave a small smile. But he looked back to the Shinigami captains staring at them with a suspicious gaze.

"Any last words before your execution?" Soifon said, pushing him down to his knees.

"WHAT!" Zezuri shrieked.

"Silence, girl!" Yamamoto summoned some of Soifon's Stealth Force to restrain the her.

"Let me go!" she struggled.

Soifon stood over the Espada, ready to strike a deathblow "Die!" but as Zezuri watched in horror, her spiritual pressure rose along with an unseen force, blowing away the shinigami that held her. Her eyes glowed as she began to fire energy at Soifon, taking her out with one blast.

Yamamoto watched with silent interest as the other Captains waited for him to give orders to restrain the girl. She was going out of control, her spiritual pressure was becoming heavier and heavier.

Grimmjow broke free of his restraints with all of his strength. He tried to make his way over to the girl, but the pressure was very strong. The Espada still continued towards her, even though it tore at his flesh and clothing.

Zezuri was not herself anymore and she did not recognize friend from foe as she fired energy at anyone who got near her. Her transparent eyes locked on the blue haired arrancar who was inching inching her, energy formed into her hands.

"Zezuri, enough! It's me!" he tried to call back the Zezuri he knew. The girl came toward him and placed her hand of energy on his head, ready to kill him at point blank range.

"Damn it! This isn't you!" The crowd of shinigamis watched as Grimmjow grabbed her arm and tried to remove it from his head, but her strength had also grown.

Grimmjow managed to stand, still covered in his own blood, with Zezuri's hand now around his neck. "C'mon you know I..." a dire expression was still on his face, but he smiled a little as he looked at the girl ready to kill him. "...I can't..." before he finished, he leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips just as she was ready to implode him with energy. "It's gonna be alright now..." he whispered as her grip on his neck loosened.

The spiritual pressure in the room began to go down, as Zezuri's eyes turned back to normal. She looked back at the Espada, her face very shocked and very red. "I-I...Ummm..." she didn't know what to say.

"You're back..." he sighed with relief. He thought it was really over for him a few minutes ago. "Don't make me have to kill you."

"Y-you're hurt!" she exclaimed, already trying to heal him.

"Don't worry about it..." he chuckled, but he was also very exhausted. She quickly embraced him as he noticed everyone was watching them.

Their reunion was short lived as Yamamoto stepped forward. "I've seen what I needed. Take him back to his respective cell..."

"You mean, you did this to see her go out of control? You put everyone in danger..." Renji said.

"I had everything under control, lieutenant Abarai. Take her back to 6th division quarters," the General Captain of 1st division was ready to eliminate the brunette if he needed to and he had all the power to do so. Yet it was true, he had done this intentionally to observe the girl's power. Although, it was still not clear how she had obtained such power without first being sent to Soul Society.

The stealth force had already taken Grimmjow back to his cell, while Unohana healed Soifon's wounds.

"C'mon... you probably need some rest..." Renji said, beginning to feel sympathetic towards the girl.

Zezuri was stressing out as more questions popped into her head while she followed the lieutenant. Now that the Shinigami kept her like prisoner, she worried for herself, but even more so for Airi and Grimmjow. Renji led her back to 6th division dorms as night began to fall.

He slid open the doors to her new room, which only contained a futon, which was way more comfortable than what she had slept on in Las Noches.

"Oh, you've been delivered new clothing. It's just a simple yukata, but I don't know if you've worn one before," Renji said, handing her the folded outfit.

"Thank you..." she said quietly as Renji exited, sliding the paper door shut behind him.

Looking at her tattered white uniform that has seen one too many battles, the girl decided to change right away. She had a somewhat difficult time putting on the yukata but managed to get it together without looking foolish. It was navy blue, with tiny white paper cranes and a crimson obi. She unclipped her hair and twisted it up into a ponytail, tied with a small ribbon. She placed her hair clip that she'd always worn, into her yukata skeeve for the time being.

The days spent at Las Noches seemed like distant memories now as Zezuri looked at her new self in the mirror. She raised her hand to her face and touched her lips with the tips of her fingers. So much was on her mind that she'd almost forgot how Grimmjow had kissed her. As the memory replayed in slow motion in her mind her face turned a slight shade of red. Yet, she couldn't help wondering if it meant more than just a means to stop her. But this made it more difficult for her to bear the thought of losing him now.

Thanks for reading!

Anyways, Chev contacted me concerning the plot yesterday so, I would expect the next chapter to be moving shortly. We're only up to 1,500 words at the moment... sooo... we need to double that before I'll post. Hopefully, we'll make it by the end of the week, but since school has started for Chev now... it might not. In any rate, you'll see it as soon as it's finished. Bonus, any suggestions could possibly be incorporated if you wish to try and influence us. :D -Airumel