Chapter 16: The Hell I'm Afraid
He sped up as fast as he could, finally arriving to the spot where Grimmjow could spot a familiar face. Two actually, Kenpachi Zaraki, and Ren.
Staring the woman he had been chasing for what felt like a day and a half, maybe even longer in his state, considering he was still injured from his previous battle against Ren. "Ren…" He couldn't help but say her name, his eyes stinging from the gloss that began to take over them. It wasn't tears, of course not Grimmjow, And not here either! No, it was more of a relief to see her, but still…A hint of rage hid behind those bright blue eyes, not towards Ren or her opponent Kenpachi, it was all towards Aizen who only clapped slowly in enlightenment, "Grimmjow Jeagerjagues…Bravo, you actually made it just in time for the final performance…I take it Ulquiorra wasn't good enough. Or those other arrancars?"
"Cut the crap Aizen, they weren't Espadas! I found out about your little dolls. What kind of fool do you take me for!" The panther didn't even flinch or move towards Aizen, his entire stance was directed at Ren, his eyes though…His eyes were progressing to brighten with venom, nearly bleeding death as he glared at Aizen, "A big one, apparently. But I misjudged you."
"You sure as hell did. You may have been stronger back when you thought you were in charge of Hueco Muendo…But now? You ain't getting away with this. Not in a million light years. You will never hone the power to control Ren…" He grinned viciously pulling the small box that Urahara had given to him, the one he was suppose give to Ren to end it all, "I said that once before…And I fucking meant it." He held it in between his fingers, sonidoing towards Aizen's priceless face.
From what Grimmmjow could see, the man knew what it was, "Good, I'm glad I don't have to explain what this is. I hate having to do that. Not like I would want to anyways. Why lecture the teacher when I can show it to you!" The panther's grin lightened into a smirk, protecting the small black box in his large hand, his fingers holding onto it for dear life as he sped off towards Ren.
Aizen was on his toes the moment Grimmjow disappeared before his eyes, turning his quick attention towards the girl now just standing before everyone. Kenpachi must've back off for a moment, giving the panther his opportunity to come for the girl awaiting his arrival,
Of course, Aizen would've never made it that easy to get, "REN!" He exclaimed her name angrily, waving his hand towards her.
People could see he was slightly loosing his cool, his slick back hair no longer groomed in the front but strands falling in his face.
The sound of Aizen's call gave Ren her queue to move, being missed by a mere inch of Grimmjow's arms.
He was so close to feeling just a scrap of her soft skin that seemed as cold as ice.
It was basically a game of tag the way she counter acted his attempts to either catch her, or direct the box at her, but all the while he was doing so, it was getting really hard for the Espada to keep up with her. She was starting to speed up again, trying to throw him off faster and faster. It was like a Zanpakuto readying itself for its favorite attack, the one that took up more than her rieshi. He thought really hard about what it was that he was fighting for here, what made him want to catch Ren. What made him want to save her, and keep her.
Over and over again he proceeded to process all the things that they had been through, the things that had been said and done. From over the years, to the first grocery shopping to the first kiss in the fountain, from the graveyard to the wild, passionate night of love making.
But what he loved more than anything wasn't in just in those alone, everything about Ren made him smirk, feeling a sensation inside him that was hard to accept, and he had already somehow accepted without realizing it. Until now, "You really are something else…You know that? You act so strong in front of everyone, trying not to let down your defenses for the whole world to see…" He trailed off, his face suddenly become dazed, but serious as he stared at the woman before him…
Her lips no longer the smile he remembered it to be, the same one that would come out every time she'd see him. Her skin no longer the glowing lively color it use to be.
If anything it sadden him to see her like that.
No, it angered him.
It was all because of Aizen. All of this.
If he would've left her alone, Ren wouldn't be so distraught, so lost and unaccepted, which was all in her own perspective not his. But wanted to show her she was accepted, if not by the others than by him at least, that what they had was no mere fuck, but a heavy dose of real affection.
Grimmjow could very much say it was love maybe, but it was close to what he could relate as something that close of a bond, "You don't have to put up those walls around me! All I ever wanted. Was to be accepted. Hell every hollow does, being alone for centuries on end. Where you…Sure it wasn't perfect, but you had a family. And friends. A lot of them were dicks to you. They didn't seem like friends, but they're there. Ichigo, Renji, even me! We're all here to save you Ren. For the first time in my life I've felt like I've said something to live for besides myself! Can you believe that? Me! Of all freaking people, I was the one you decided to take to your special places, to the spots where you would go to get away from the feeling of being shunned. But you're not shunned anymore Ren, you have us, and you should let Aizen get away with this. If you had a chance to escape, I know you would take it. And I want to give you that freedom Ren. Just like that!" He nearly screamed it at the girl as he came flying upward at her, hoping to throw her off for just a split second to get close enough to her chest, avoiding her chains at all cost.
She threw her chains all around her, hoping the next strike would be the last, until Grimmjow finally found his opening ,and spin into the kitten until he was face to face with her, gripping her wrist in a tug-a-war for her.
The moment he touched her, Ren started to fight back, struggling and grunting angrily as she began to feel herself cry out for him like back in Karakura.
She gasped back, her soul again responding to the sound of her name being called. Ren could hear him being so close to her, and yet so far away. Her body felt like it was stuck in a thick layer of glue, or corn syrup, still feeling tired as if she wanted to sleep more, longer, almost never wanting to wake up from such a peaceful sleep.
Hell she could hardly keep her eyes open as her eyes looked around at the echoing sound of her companion's voice.
Her fingers twitched, and her lips parted as she gave a small slip into slumber again.
That is until she heard Grimmjow yell even louder, more determined and threatening that it seemed to have an effect on the girl.
She tried harder this time, not giving up on wanting to pull her body out of this thick sensation of tranquility. Even if it wasn't, not really anyway, "Come Ren! I know you're in there! I see you struggling with yourself! We can do this together, I know we can. You don't have to do it alone. That's what you got me for. I'm here for you." He felt his heart beating a mile a minute, his face flushing like he had never felt.
It was the oddest, relieving feeling he had ever known. And when it was Ren he was feeling for, he couldn't help, but be proud of that, "And only you..." His yelling quivered, breaking.
Although there was a pint size part of him that want to actually maybe attempt punching Ren in the face to see if that would smack her back into her body, but he only shook his head, knowing that he could only think desperately at this point. His own will burning with a desire.
From inside Ren, the girl's entire soul jolted at his words, her heart starting to beat slowly but surely as she felt her body move little by little to the top of that thick barrier she seemed to be swimming in, trapped her between the protection around her soul, and the other to her body, which was currently occupied.
She looked towards the voice calling to her, cheering her on, getting her to move her legs, "Grimmjow…" She gasped a sigh of sleepiness, making her muscles flex. She had to make an attempt herself if she wanted to get out of herself unless she wish to be devoured by this untamed hollow of hers, or whatever it was.
She wasn't going to let Aizen win. She couldn't let him, not for the sake of herself, but seeing the sacrifice Grimmjow made to put himself in the line of danger to come and rescue her.
She laughed softly to herself thinking of him as her own personal valiant knight, gruff around the edges but with a heart a gold that was only made because of her influence.
She couldn't forget the others either. Renji and her had their differences and their qualms, but seeing that the red head had not forgotten about her made her feel more than special. She felt that maybe it wasn't the end of the world. Ichigo too. For someone like him she was lucky to have a friend that looked beyond her hard iron skin.
When this all became too real for Ren, she could only look around her, feeling a sudden push to help guide her out of the swampy barrier of muck, I'm not giving up…I will never give in. After everything considering, those people…My people…They're…My friends! She opened her eyes more and more, trying with all her might until she was looking through her own eyes, still as if something was trying to hold her back before she felt her soul swim for the cracked surface, Yes! Just a little more! I'm here Grimmjow! I'm here! I just…Need you to wake me up! She was nearly swimming in slow motion now, her fingers tips brushing just the skin of the surface, yet still inches away as she began to pull through.
It felt like the atmosphere was just getting harder and thicker now, getting harder to breath, Damn it, I won't give up! Not like this! Not anymore! I'm tired of sitting by and watching myself get tear down, seeing the ones I care about get hurt because of me! If it wasn't for you Aizen everything would've been fine! Nothing would've gone wrong and you wouldn't have caused me to hurt anyone! This is all because of you! And for that reason alone…I will get out of here if it's the last thing I do! With what reishi she could muster out of her soul, she began to consume it in around her.
From the outside of her body, a thin lining of white began to change back and forth between red. Ren's body froze in mid swing having her chains fall to the floor with a clank and a jangling. Grimmjow eyes perked at his opportunity and grunted as he held the box to her heart, feeling her body lash back to get away from the feeling of it being so close. He couldn't help it, seeing her so close to him, feeling her arms in his grasp, the only thing he could do to keep her steady was to embrace her tightly, kissing her lips as the box began to open, a large ghostly white abyss enveloping the girl's body as a sudden flash ignited, the small black box diminishing into the light itself, "AAAAAAAAHHH!"
He pulled away long enough for her to scream out, only to pull her ear close enough to his mouth, "Come back to me, Ren. Please…" In burst of energy released into the sky, a white Pegasus suddenly taking form as it escaped along with Ren's spirit.
She trotted out of her chest, the anger and rage subsiding and fading from her beautiful bright lavender eyes, the once calm, innocence glimmer that everyone remembered to be the real Ren had once returned.
"Ren? Ren!" Grimmjow called out to her, his hands cupping her face as she tried to lift her head from bobbing from the grogginess she still endured. Her body could barely keep itself up in his arms, her once powerful and full Zanpakuto shattering and vanishing from her hands one they fell to her side.
She then lifted her head the best she could and smiled happily the best she could, her breath ragged, and meek, "Yep, Thank goodness…I was starting… to worry-," She trailed in mid sentence, feeling her eyes fall closed, her face falling forward in his chest to make him smirk, "I knew you could do it. Any woman of mine could." He swooped up by her legs, cradling her gently as she struggled to open her eyes at him again, "Grimm…"
"Don't talk woman, you'll make it worse." He urged.
"I…I can barely stay awake still…Why?"
"Like I said, don't talk! Just worry about staying alive." Just then, from above the Pegasus that boomed out of Ren previous, galloped above the two, neighing at them as he quickly swooped underneath Grimmjow, and picked him up, nearly scaring the poor Arrancar half to death, a cold sweat beginning to streak his temple, "Hey! What the-,"
"Don't be afraid…Trust it…"
"But he just-,"
"I know, but, please…Trust me at least, alright?" Grimmjow growled but listened none the less as the horse trotted down to the ground, extending its wings out before relaxing them to let the two off.
Just then, it began to disappear, mystifying back into her chest, before spreading throughout her torso and limps like smoke settling into her, like a soul reconnecting to their vessel.
That's exactly what it was, and the reason for Ren's feeling of slumber. Her body was now her own now, no one could control it, she was undoubtedly free for good, "Ren?" She put her hand to his chest, having him attempt to put her down, just enough to give her legs some stability. To see if she could stand again. She no longer felt sleep, but energized, as if she had been awakened for the first time in a hundred years.
She felt…Incredible. Alive, "You're…You're okay now, right? Urahara said that gigai should be like having your old body back, or whatever…So, did it work?" At first Ren just stared at her hands and limps, her feet tapping the ground before she jumped a few times and then slowly turned her attention to the blue haired arrancar.
He waited for his answer, but she didn't give him one. She just stared as if she had suddenly drawn a blank. He too gave the same look before finally getting annoyed of her silence, "Are you just going to stare at me or say something woman! Let me know that everything's working!" She paused for another second before grinning up at him and then flying her arms around his neck into a tight bear hug, holding him as hard as she could. Missing the hell out of him, "Owe, owe, owe, hey I'm still injured you know."
"You are!" She asked completely shocked, making Grimmjow give her the most dumbfounded look, "Yeah the ones you left me!"
"Oh. Oh yeah. I'm sorry, but I just…Oh…Just shut up and hug me." She stated with a shaky, yet happy tone. It was almost like she wanted to cry, but instead of crying, she began to giggle, and then laughing hysterically with tears in her eyes, "I think, ha ha! For the first time in my life, I was actually scared there for a moment! Ha ha! Oh man! Talk about a thriller!" She laughed a little longer before finally settling herself down with a wipe of her joyful tears getting Grimmjow to sigh in relief, also somewhat smiling/smirking at the giggling woman before pulling her into a tight bear hug like she had done to him before.
A hand to the back of her head while the other relaxed on her lower back, his release state finally fading as he nuzzled his nose into hers, "Well, it wasn't the thrill I was looking for," He grumbled with a pecking her lips as he leaned his head against hers now, "But I guess the fighting was a little entertaining." He got a quiet titter out of both of them before suddenly Aizen's voice startled them back to the battlefield.
He approached them stomping his way over as he prepared to shred the Espada apart, "Damn you, Jeagerjagues! You've ruined everything! Do you know how many centuries of work you've just obliterated with that stupid box!" Aizen was livid, enraged and about to take out the Espada along with his so called daughter, now that she was useless to him.
Her body wasn't stable before, but now with the gigai in tact, her body had come to rewrite her DNA so it was finally finished and connected in all the right places. No more affection of an unfinished product. Ren was now whole, and no one's toy.
Especially this man, "I'll just have to use what little power I still possessed of the Hogiyaku(sp?) now, he was about to release his spiritual pressure for all to see, but just as he was about to attack the two, the Captain's surrounded Aizen, finding HIM as the ultimate threat now.
He was beginning to panic, looking around frantically "Aizen, you fool…Did you really think coming back a second time would've made a difference? You came back as arrogant and as foolish as ever! Make no mistake, this will be the end of you, for good! No excuses!" Yamamoto attempted to raise his hand to engage, but Ren knew the seal would never work.
Something was telling her that she was the only one to make him go away this time. For good.
Grimmjow looked from Yamamoto, to Ren, only to find that she wasn't even in his arms. His eyes widened, and he looked up to see where she stood.
Her form between the Captains, and former Captain, "Step out of the way! Or I shall seal you as well!"
"No offense, sir. But that seal won't do you any good. It's not powerful enough to seal him for what he truly is…" Her face scrunched up in disgust while her eyes flared at the man that hijacked her, "A monster…" She extended out her hands one last time reforming her Zanpakuto as she called it forth.
The Pegasus came before everyone letting Ren jump on the back of its ghostly form before she took off in Aizen's direction, "You've done enough damage in the past, and now to use me, and make me attack the people I hold dear! Furthermore you nearly made me kill the man I love! And For that, I WILL seek justice! FATHER!" She screeched out, using every last bit of her ability and herself to take out the man that had assumed to call her daughter. The man that dared to call himself a father.
He was no father she knew. And in her light of defense, Urahara Kisuke was the only man she would ever consider a father to her.
Aizen's eyes to widen in fear, the sight of anger only from the fact that he knew there was no way around this. That his second chance at life would never come to be.
In a terror, Aizen started to run for his life, only to turn back to see the horse's eyes burst into flames, galloped hard at light speed.
No one could see where Ren or the Pegasus had gone, only getting a glimpse of the white, purple blur coming at the ex-captain before Aizen's body was taken into the grasp of the awakened Zanpakuto, and in a large white cloud of smoke, the horse with wings imploded them all into another realm, disappearing from the sights of the others.
Grimmjow was so amazed at the new release before him, he had to be snapped out of the daze when Ichigo, Renji, and even, surprisingly, Urahara had arrived, of course from his own door way into Soul Society, "Hiyo!" He waved smiling.
"What the-, What're you doing here! Oh, AND WHY THE SUDDEN APPEARANCE, WE COULD'VE USED YOU AWHILE AGO! BAKA!"
"Alright! Yeesh, enough with the yelling, I had some oppressing matters to attend to, no need for you to worry about that though, where's Ichigo-san?"
"Oi!" A loud echo called from the distance with a few familiar faces.
Along with them was, surprisingly, the unconscious Arrancar Ulquiorra that Ichigo seemed to be carrying over his shoulder, "Ah, right on time I see." Kisuke comforted his hands in his large pockets, before holding onto his hat from the large breeze beginning to pick up around them.
Everyone's attention turned to the breeze's direction, sensing a familiar spiritual pressure coming through a bright lit portal surrounded by a glowing myst underneath the person's feet.
She jumped out of the realm with a soft sigh, relieved. Her hair gave a light bounce when she landed right in front of Kisuke.
The portal closed behind her, she straightened herself up to look at the man before. Her father-like figure, her everything. She knew he had somewhat of a hand in it, that was no big secret, but Kisuke did hide things from her, things that he should've told her no matter what the out come would've been.
Ren felt that she could've prepared, maybe even helped in some sort of way. Anything but being kept in the dark about it all these years.
She had a sudden urge, an urge that made her ball her fist as she gazed up at the green eyed man and gave her a sad smile.
BLAM!
Everyone's eyes widened the size of platter plates when Urahara head swooshed to the side, his feet leaving the ground as his bottom his it. His hat flew a couple feet behind him when he realized he had been knocked silly. His brain was literally jumbled as he laid back, his eyes spinning like pin balls, "That's for keep things from me, lying to me when you said Aizen was no threat to me, and for not warning me about this! How dare you! I thought we agreed no secrets! I could've taken the truth! Sure, it would've been tough, but I would've respected you more for telling me! Is that what it is Kisuke? You don't respect me enough? Or is it you thought I wouldn't be able to handle it because you wanted to protect me." Her voice broke from yelling, from the hurt, and she felt like she wanted to hit him again, but the moment she tried to take a step forward to bend down and hit him, she only fell to her knees in a failed attempt, only hitting his chest as she leaned into it, her head pressed against his beating heart, "I know you love me Kisuke but I'm not a kid anymore." It was muffled but he could hear her clearly.
He hummed a chuckle, not offended by her reaction, but understanding it.
He knew he had that coming, and knew he well deserved it. Then, like always he gave her that goofy smile of his, "Yeah…I know." He embraced her tightly, and she didn't hesitate to cry hard into his chest, "I'm so sorry, Ren-Chan. It'll never happen again. I promise." He pulled her away only to cup her face into his hands, her eyes feeling like she was pouring out her heart into them.
She didn't really know why she was crying, but maybe it was just because she wanted to cry. It was all over, and everything that she loved was alive and well.
There was something in her that she felt more certain about that. About life being more alive. Like she was more alive. As if she was reborn again. By the time Ren had completely calmed, smiling up at Kisuke, the man in the hat took the side of his sleeve and soaked up the rest of the straggling tears from her cheek, brining an even bigger smile to the face of his loving daughter, "Now, aren't you glad we had this talk?"
"God, what an ass you are…You know, for the crap you caused, you're lucky if I don't get executed for this." She remarked irritated at his playful grin and the joke that ruined what was the finest bonding moment in history for the two of them. At least to the lavender girl's opinion, considering the only that ever flapped out of Kisuke's mouth now a days was perverted or riddling remark. Or even worse. But what could be worse than the riddles?
"Urahara…" Suddenly, a familiar 1st Captain's voice came to their attention, making Ren tense up as she stared up ashamed for the actions that she had still committed previously, her eyes familiarizing with her hands that were still stained with dirt and blood.
She couldn't see it, but even the blood stains on her face were apparent. That's right. I will still under his control when…When I… Her eyes began to tear up again, bringing her hands to stomach as she gasped in pain, "Not again…I did it again Kisuke."
"Ren…" He could see the hurt and pain in her eyes, see regret and agony as she cupped her face. Then she turned to face him, "Kisuke…I-…I…murdered people. Aizen still took me here while I was…Well, they know." Kisuke's eyes widened, he hadn't figured that she would've gotten that far ahead, now, he had to deal with Yamamoto who stepped forward.
"She is right Kisuke, and we can not let that go unpunished." The older man replied standing tall and strong, steel in his words.
That is until two other Captain's stepped forward, Ukitake with his trusty companion Kyoroku, "But sir, Aizen was the one in control. She would've been fine if Sousuke hadn't interfered. She was banished to the world of living in the first place… So why don't we just-,"
"No! Not this time! You had your chance when you disappeared with Kisuke young lady, and because of your return it is by law that we are to execute you!"
"Oh no…"
"Which was when Aizen was controlling everyone else…I'm sure you remember the Vizards….Yamamoto?" Everyone's eyes widened to the name, the recent battle previously needed these Vizards to help in the war against the Arrancars.
Only to have Grimmjow and now, Ulquiorra as survivors, who were also assisting them when they had tried to attack many of their people before, "What are you implying? That I let this…creature roam free? What if another like Aizen comes, do you want him to-,"
"Who else knows about this except everyone here? In the Seretei? And after a couple years no one will even remember her name. Eventually this whole thing will become a ghost story…It becomes as simple as that. Nothing more. So…I know this is a weird case, but the girl had no recollection of what she was doing. Ren is it? That is what happen isn't it? We can't put someone in prison because of a little hypnosis." The Captain dressed in pink and cherry blossom's glanced Ren's way with a wink of his eye, "Uh-, No, I didn't know. It was weird though…It felt like I was stuck in goop that weighed a ton. I literally had to climb my way out of it to wake up. There was only one person I could've count on to bring me back." Her eyes softened glancing over at Grimmjow who seemed surprised when she looked over at him, then blushed and looked away as if he didn't notice what she was doing or who she was talking about.
But he knew. Oh, he definitely knew, "And I'm thankful he did, because I couldn't stand looking at myself. It's like looking at an evil twin of yourself…It's creepy." After the whole explanation, Yamamoto seemed puzzled by all that had happened.
He wasn't sure on what to do, since it could've been a plead of insanity, which, by that meaning they couldn't have done anything anyways. What were they going to do? Lock her up again? It'd be too extreme and it would only cause more difficulty and paper work for S.S. So, there was only one thing they could do, "You leave me no choice then…" He put out his cane and pulled it apart like a sword, approaching Ren for everyone to tense up, especially Grimmjow, and Renji. "No! Don't!" Grimmjow ran towards them wanting to save his mate. If that Captain Yamamoto was even thinking about trying to lay a finger on her, he was going to have to do something drastic, but he was only stopped by Kenpachi, Soi Fon, and even Hitsugaya, who blocked his way.
He looked at them, knowing that starting another fight would only delay him.
He needed help, "Guys don't let them do this!" Grimmjow pleaded, "Renji! She's your friend to what the hell!"
"You don't understand." Renji began to explain calmly to the Espada, " Don't you see what he's going to do Renji? You should know. He's not going to kill her. He's-, you know what, just watch…" He instructed the others getting them to do so, in suspense when Yamamoto finally approached the young woman, staring down at her as she awaited her sentence, or punishment, or…whatever.
All she knew was she wanted to get it done and over with.
With that in thought, Ren closed her eyes, feeling a light knock on the head and a sense of release.
It felt calm and some how, she didn't feel anything. She opened her eyes again to find that a small mark on her head began to fade, and when it was gone she looked back up at the old man curiously when he placed his Zanpakuto back in his sheeth and turned away, setting it up to where he could place his hands over the top of it, "I have sealed away your Hollow powers. On account that we don't want another incident like this. And if we ever find you in Soul Society, other than if we call upon you. You will be eliminated. Is that clear!" His voice was deadly and caring one minute, it was spine shivering, and so much so it only made Ren nod in agreement. She wasn't going to say no and refuse the only freedom back to the only home she's ever knew, and that made the Captain smile before he looked to Urahara, "Should I do the honors or should you?" Kisuke laughed nervously before waving at Yamamoto, "Oh no, we're leaving! Come on guys the portal waits for no man! Plus, dinners getting cold!"
"Wow, just like that huh?" Grimmjow asked looking over at Ichigo who just smiled laughing weirdly at the whole situation.
It was almost awkward how it ended. But it was over and that's all that mattered.
Guess no one knew how long the fight would last, "Yeah, I guess so, funny, I felt like we really didn't get any action this time around, not only that, but what about this guy? Should we just take him with us to the world of the living?" Ichigo nudged the guy hanging off his shoulder, before Urahara approached the unconscious Espada, "Are you sure this is even him? How do you know?" He asked examining his body to make sure it wasn't just another dummy, but then again, Ichigo stated the obvious, "Well, if it was a doll, don't you think it would've disappeared when Ren got rid of Aizen? I mean, the rest of them did. Who ever was left I mean."
"Hmm, true…Very true. Very well, take him to your place."
"WHAT! Are you crazy! Where're am I going to put him? My room? Put him up in your place, Hat and Clogs!"
"Well…I would, but my house is already filled with a bunch of people, and you have the clinic open to 'patients,' am I right?" Ichigo couldn't argue back, he was utterly speechless by the way he was trying to ease Ulquiorra on him, "I guess…"
"Good. Then it's settled. Let's go." Ren was still a little shocked, she was sure how to take her freedom, she was relieved, but still surprised they weren't sticking to they usual cruel way of handling things.
"Oi…" A familiar voice suddenly made the poor girl's heart jump up to her brain, bringing her back to reality as she looked to Grimmjow who hunched over the side of her shoulder. Their eyes meeting as they smiled at one another, "Ready to go home?" He asked the only question to make her kiss his cheek, feel of his arms wrapping around her torso as he embraced her, "Do you have to even ask." She moved into him, wrapping her an arm around his neck to have him embrace her back enough to where he moved around her and, somehow grabbed for her legs in the process to pick her up so he could carry her bridal style through the portal home, "Eh, Sorry for the inconvenience, again, it won't happen again!"
"Shut up & get going before you get us in even more trouble!" Ren exclaimed still burying her face into her lovers neck, making Grimmjow burst out into laughter before he kissed the side of her head, "That's my girl!…When we get home, I'm gonna make us a nice hot bath…" He murmured the last part making sure no one heard but Ren herself, making the woman blush and she smirk softly into his skin, taking in the scent of him and the feel of him in her arms again, "Good, I think we need it…" They both just tittered at one another under their breaths, finally starting to see the light at the end of the very long tunnel they journeyed through until the sight of the sun light began to beam through a large hole, "Aw, there it is! Next stop! Urahara's shop! At your service!"
"You know I could've just transported us here with my new stabilized powers…" Ren trailed off trying to get Urahara's attention, but the man seemed to be ignoring her on purpose, unwilling to make up for the slip of his mind, "Sorry I can't here you back there!"
On the other side, in Soul Society, the Captain's just stared at the sky before them, where the portal between worlds stood, only to have Kenpachi suddenly smirk uncrossing his arms as he walked back to his Division, "Well, that sucked, I wanted to finish our fight."
"Maybe someday you can. Why don't you try asking for a sparing match sometime. Come on, you can't hide the intent on a chance to fight Ren Shinju again?" Kyoroku had hung out with Zaraki way too many times to know him that well, but it only got a grin out of the 11th Captain, making him laugh out loud at the thought, "Yeah…I might just do that. Yachiru!" He suddenly called his Lt. who popped out of no where, calling his name as she flipped onto his broad shoulders, "Kenny-Chaaan!" The pink haired girl laughed joyfully, the other Captain's walking back to their Divisions with the tall man and his little companion.
Yes, the battle was won, and all was right with the world again, Ren was back to normal and now, there were more adventures to come, new friends to make and much more to look forward to for the young happy couple that laid warm in their beds now after a long hot relaxing bath that Grimmjow had promised his mate.
Their arms wrapped around one another, their bodies snuggled close as they slumbered soundly.
Suddenly, out of his soft sleep, Grimmjow's eyes slightly opened gazing down at his quiet woman in his embrace, softly smiling at her before kissing her forehead and falling back to sleep to join his lover in her peaceful dreams. Where nothing could to touch them, nothing could get to them. Not even all of S.S. or Hueco Mundo could reach them within their abyss of heaven, and that's how they wanted to keep it, whether in dream land or not, they always wanted to be near each other, close to each other, even if Grimmjow had to destroy everyone to make that happen he would just to get to Ren, to give her a life of peace that she deserved.
It actually made him think a bit. Usually, The thought of not be able to fight, to get stronger drove the Panther insane, and living in peace? What a dream that was for an Arrancar. Something dreamt up when they're made, a piece of hope that was stripped away one the instinct of survival kicked in. The fear of being devoured and becoming food for the next strong opponent.
But now? For a man like Grimmjow, it was almost becoming too natural to be this way. Ren was the first person to ever show him that an Arrancar could live free and peaceful, to love and hate like any other living thing out there in the world of the living. He acutally learned what it's like to live without being hunted down by Shinigami's, and there was still so much he didn't understand about this world that left him wanting her more by his side to show him the new and intriguing things she kept showing him.
In a way that scared him. This was a new feeling, a new life, a new everything!
Everything was going to constantly change, and maybe not in the direction he wanted it to. Not with Ren, but with his life's long dream. He still wanted to become the King of Hueco Mundo, after all.
In the morning, the blue haired espada had a late start, being awakened by the annoying feeling of someone poking him in the forehead. His eyes slightly opening to a dark blur in front of him, and the faster the blur began to poke him the more annoyed the Espada was starting to get, "Hey! Hey! Hey! Ren! I'm aw-," He stopped in mid-sentence, focusing in his sights on the small girl Ururu who blinked at the half naked Sexta, "Wh-What the-,"
"Ren wants you. She says you've slept in long enough."
"Did you really have to start poking me in the head, ya lil brat." He grumbled to himself a little more having her leave when he rose up from the bed to dress himself, "Damn woman, she couldn't have come up here and woke me herself? That would've been a nicer wake up call than getting poked like that…What's wrong with that girl?" He muttered curses the whole way downstairs, hearing a cheerful and yet another familiar voice coming from the kitchen, "Aw! Good morning Grimmjow! You late bloomer!~" Urhara waved to him from the kitchen counter, apparently talking to Tessai and Renji as they all drank there mid day tea.
"Mornin'…" Was all he could reply, ignoring the store keepers last comment as he reached into the fridge for a bottle of water.
"Would like some tea Mr. Grimmjow?" Tessai offered but only had Grimmjow wave him off, "No thanks. I'm being summoned, apparently. Any idea where I can find Ren?"
"In the garage sir."
"Hmm." He then headed outside saluting the men off lazily as he headed to his destination.
Little did anyone realize Renji was starting to stare off into space, not realizing that he was gawking at Grimmjow the whole time, only stopping when the Espada had disappeared into the garage, giving Renji his opportunity to drink his tea with hesitants.
For Renji, he had been feeling a little odd lately, ever since the two had been nearly inseparable. He had been feeling it actually, for a while now, and it bothered him. It bothered him to now end, and only the heavens knew why.
He knew he liked Ren in the beginning, and it fell apart, because he screwed up, but, something inside him made his emotions stir a little bit, making him feel that he had made a terrible mistake, No, I can't. It's over between us. It's been over for a long time now. There's nothing there. He sadly looked into his cup, trying to find his own common ground, But why can't I stop thinking about you, Ren? Was it because for the first time I thought we were actually going to loose you? For good? Yeah, that has to be it. It-, it has to be…
"Renji? You okay, pal? You look a little upset. Something bugging you?"
"Huh! What! No! I'm just…I was just thinking of taking a long walk today that's all. Maybe go over to Kurosaki to see how Ulquiorra Cifer's doing." Kisuke's finger reached his lips as he looked up thoughtfully, "Awe…Yes, I almost forgot about him."
"You forgot!" Renji couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was this guy serious?
"Yeah…Well, so much has happen, but, you're right, we should go see if he's alright. I think I'll go with you!" "Huh? Really?"
"Yeah! The kids can watch the store and since Ren apparently has plans with Grimmy-Grim, I'd figure Tessai and I could accompany you." Renji was kind of glad to hear that, but he kind of wanted the time to walk alone. Oh well better in a group than alone he supposed, "Sure. Why not."
While the others were beginning to get ready to go for that walk, Grimmjow scanned around the garage, hearing the sound of clanking around, and fidgetting. So he went in further into the large domain of parts and other unknown accessories in thousand upon thousands of boxes, looking for the lavender haired woman, but she didn't seem to be anywhere in eye sight of him until he heard the clanking noises getting louder coming from the front where the garage met with the outside.
He followed the noises till he found Ren knelt down near an odd looking contraption. A really, really COOL odd looking contraption, "What is that?" Ren gasped catching her heart in her hand, only to exhale in relief when she came eye to eyes with Grimmjow who was standing on the other side of the cycle, "Oh! Good morning sunshine. I assume you Slept well?" She asked happily, her smile beaming brightly at him to make him smirk back, "Good mornin' yourself. Ever been woken up by Ururu poking you in the head?" Grimmjow moved a bit to give his woman some space to work, watching her fiddling with her invention while he leaned against a workshop table, hearing Ren giggle as she finished up her fixer upper on the mysterious machine before them.
She zipped down her workers uniform to tie the upper part around her waist letting her upper body breath from all the work she had put into the engine, "Yeah. Once, but she learned not to do it again.~" She sang the last part wiping her hands clean on a wipe she hand shoved in a pocket and then removed the apron around her waist, putting it on the table front of her and behind Grimmjow.
The process, Ren sneakily slipped her arms around the Espada and kissed his lips softly, getting him to chuckle gruff, "Is that right?" He wrapped an arm around her roughly as well, pulling her lips back into his before descending down her neck, making her giggle seductively, "That's right… Oh!" She had to pull away a little to give him an excited look, "You were wondering what I was working on right?"
"Uh, yeah. I guess?" They both turned their attention to the all metal and chrome two wheeled wonder, Ren skipping to the other side of it as if to show it off to him.
She was, "Seriously…What is that?"
"It's a motorcycle!"
"A motor…what?" She rolled her eyes walking over to the two helmets sitting over on the other side of the cycle, giving one to Grimmjow who she brought over to the cycle to get a better look. Then she put her own helmet on her head, "You ride it." She said that before jumping on the thing and turned the key to release a loud rumbling sound from the engine. It purred like a kitten and roared like a lion. The noise nearly killed Grimmjow's ears though. He wasn't ready for what was coming and plugged his ears, "OWE! THAT'S FREAKING LOUD!"
"I KNOW ISN'T IT GREAT! HOP ON!" All he knew was the thing was really loud and since he was still waking up…Well, actually he was DEFINITELY awake now, but it echoed through the small garage, making it twice as loud, and all he wanted to do was getting away from the loud noise before it busted his ear drum. So to please his woman, he could only sigh and shake his head hoping he wouldn't regret putting the helmet on his head. He then jumped on the back, holding onto Ren loosely at first.
Then they took off like the wind, causing Grimmjow to nearly fall off before he gripped onto Ren's waist for dear life, making the girl laugh as she zoomed down the street, and towards the free way, "Where're we going?!"
"Anywhere you want to go, Grimmjow! Anywhere you want to go!" She sped up more, "Woo…Hoo!"
"Ah! Damn it woman you're gonna get us killed!"
"No I'm not! I've done this before!" Just then she pulled his arms tighter around her, snuggling them tight to her as she smiled back at the slightly freaked out Espada, "Just trust me!"
When they made it safely onto the ramp, he began to relax, slowly leaning his chest into her back, only wondering curiously where this woman was going to take him, "So, where to this time?" He asked next to her ear through the helmets, "Hee hee, You'll see! I promise you're going to love it!" She rod off into the mid day sun, taking her boyfriend any knew wild experience she could think of, and as for Grimmjow, he could only wonder where this time could possibly lead him, his head leaning against Ren's even more, falling into the woman's mysterious smirk, letting their wild spirits roam this new world for them to enjoy.
Next - Chapter 17: Free
Two more chapters guys we're almost there! The story hasn't ended but has just begun. I wanted to do more with it, and now that I've finally caught up with this story I'm more that ecstatic :D Hope you all enjoyed it! Bye Bye!