Karina's deep sobs filled the dark void as her body lay limp within the arms of the strange man who had captured her; not trusting herself to open her eyes, she kept them closed-This isn't real! This can't be real! I'm going to wake up at any moment! Karina's internal battle only increasing the knot of anxious energy that filled the pit of her stomach. Karina gasped for breath as her cheeks flooded from her tears; deep inside her chest was a pressure so intense, she felt as if something were sitting on her, preventing her from getting the air she required.
"You can stop crying so hard; I didn't kill him."
Karina's lungs expanded as Amaya Aizen's voice rang in her ears. Taking in a deep breath, Karina's eyes sprang open forcing her to see her reality; to take in her surroundings. All around her was an odd looking tunnel, thick dark walls with protruding crevices surrounded her. As her gaze focused through her tears, Karina couldn't hide her fear-whatever she had just been dragged into looked as if it were a living creature.
"Where...have...you...taken me!?" Karina sobbed between deep breaths.
"This is known as the precipice world. It's a pathway between the human world and the soul society." Amaya answered.
Once again Karina wondered what on earth was happening; her internal battle caught between lashing out at the woman in front of her and wanting to ask more questions-could this woman even be trusted? Are all of these 'soul reapers' so cruel that they would wound a man simply for wanting to protect his woman? Karina allowed her eyes to slip closed at the reminder of Grimmjow. The soul reaper may have eased her mind a bit, knowing her attack wouldn't be fatal, but it didn't stop the ache within Karina's chest, or the longing to go to him.
"I can see that you have many questions, Karina. I understand your hesitation and anger. You do not know me from atom, and yet, I have disrupted your life and caused you pain by attacking that Espada." Amaya stated.
Karina sucked her bottom lip between her teeth; preventing herself from speaking her inner thoughts out loud-is this little bitch really so self absorbed, so arrogant to think she can possibly understand how I am feeling?
"hmm." Amaya hummed before turning her head over her shoulder.
"Arrogance isn't even a factor. I know I understand how you feel; I can hear your every thought, even feel your emotions. Tell me, Karina, how is it you have grown so attached to a creature you've only known for one day?" Amaya countered.
"What the hell are you playing at!? You think I'm going to fall for that!? There is no possible way you can read my mind!" Karina countered.
"No? Then how would I have this information if not from your inner thoughts? How would I have known what you've just called me? You're not the first one to think of me as a bitch." Amaya challenged, meeting Karina's gaze.
"What the hell?" Karina whispered as she shook her head-there's no possible way! I-I have to be dreaming, come on, Karina, wake up!
"I'm afraid you're wide awake, Miss Reiko. Welcome to the soul society..."
"Fuck!" Grimmjow grated under his breath as he slammed his fist down on the ground in front of him.
He'd...failed. Grimmjow gritted his teeth, pushing his body up from the blood stained grass beneath him. Swallowing back the sour taste that filled his mouth, he scanned the area around him, searching for Karina's scent-She's gone! Fuck, she's...in the soul society! Grimmjow winced, lifting his right hand to the side of his chest. Amaya had managed to pinpoint her aim with precision, knowing well enough being stabbed right above his heart wouldn't kill an Espada like him; but it didn't mean it didn't fuckin' hurt like hell!
"Little bitch!" Grimmjow growled, narrowing his gaze in the darkness-if this is how she wants to play it; too bad for her, this is my kinda game! Grimmjow made it to his feet, keeping pressure against his chest with his hand as he walked back to the only place he could think of; Karina's apartment. It wasn't like he could go back to Hueco Mundo and ask his queen for assistance; he'd be denied on the spot.
"I'll just have to go get her myself then!" Grimmjow growled; wondering if maybe it would be that easy? I helped him once...maybe I'll get lucky and he'll do the same for me? Grimmjow snorted as he shook his head; just the though of that bastards creepy smile making Grimmjow roll his eyes-No, all he'll be thinking about his how he can study her, but, there might be someone else who'd be willing to help me...
Karina managed to get enough control for her tears to dry; her mind reeling at the fact she'd just been brought into another world. The reader that she was, she couldn't help not notice the structure of the buildings around her-it were as if the orange clay ruffs and white walls had been preserved through the ages, giving off a sense of discomfort; the place felt...ancient!
Karina sucked in a deep breath as the man carted her around the corner of a dimly lit pathway; she couldn't see very far ahead of her, it being well passed dusk in this world as well. As the shadow of someone new came closer, she squeezed her eyes shut, not wanting to see anymore unfamiliar faces.
"What's going on here!?" A male voice spoke up.
Karina could hear his footsteps come to a stop; his voice laced with authority as he demanded an answer.
"Good evening, Captain Kuchiki."
Karina gritted her teeth as she heard the woman speak so calmly and with such respect to whoever she was talking to; gone was the malice in her voice, replaced with something that almost sounded...sweet.
"Do I have to repeat myself? Who is that woman, Amaya." Byakuya demanded.
"No, of course not. I'm sorry. This is Karina Reiko. She's a human woman that has been brought back for observation under the order of Captain Kurotsuchi and Head Captain Kyoraku." Amaya answered.
Karina fought with her inner urges; she wanted so much to yell out that she had been kidnapped by these things...these...soul reapers.
"I see. Very well. I take it you are on your way to deliver her to Captain Kurotsuchi?" Byakuya continued.
" I am." Amaya answered.
"I will accompany you." Byakuya insisted, turning on his heel to take the lead.
As the sound of footsteps carried on Karina realized she had very little options. It was either comply with their demands, or try and fight. While a part of her urged her to do the latter; she knew it would be in vain-I only saw a glimpse of what this Amaya woman can do; if the man she just spoke with is a captain, there's no telling what he's capable of!
Karina exhaled a deep breath, trying to gain her bearings a little before her eyes slipped back open, taking in the sight of the man's back. Karina felt the urge to start crying again as she watched the man walk. His body language unlike anything she had ever witnessed, his shoulders squared, head held high with more confidence than she'd ever felt in her life! The man was oozing authority; almost as if he dared anyone to undermine him-He walks as if he's...royalty.
Karina felt her body tensing against the grip of the strange black clad man that held her as the regal man in front of her turned yet another corner. Karina's eyes widened at the sight of a tall building with giant metal doors not too far in the distance. A strange sense of dread crept up on her, settling in the pit of her gut. It was like her instincts were warning her that whoever or whatever lurked within those walls was anything but pleasant.
"Set her down now." Amaya ordered her subordinate.
Karina turned her head, her gaze searching the woman's face as the man who held her followed his order; placing Karina's booted feet down onto the loose dirt pathway. Karina felt her knees buckle on her, her body swaying slightly as she tried to get a decent grip-Bloody Hell; I really don't want to find out what's behind those doors!
Karina shuffled her feet forward; the strange man still walking closely behind her; no doubt keeping a good eye on her in case she tried to make a break for it-not bloody likely! Where the hell would I run too? It seems I'm the only one who doesn't have super human speed. As the seconds ticked by; Karina felt her heart rate quicken, the palms of her hands filling with moisture; turning clammy as her nerves seemed to get the best of her.
The offending doors only grew larger as Karina walked forward. Once in front of the threshold she was forced to pause, waiting for the regal man's knock to be answered. As the sound reverberated through her ears Karina noticed the sign posted. ' Knock loudly.' Above that, engraved within the metal doors was the description of what actually lurked within. 'Research and development unit.' Karina felt her stomach lurch as reality fully donned on her-shit! I've been kidnapped and taken to a mad scientists lab!?
Karina jerked at the sound of metal scraping against itself. Holding her breath, she waited, wondering what kind of creature would be answering the door!? Expecting the worst, Karina had to do a double take when seeing what looked like a teenager. A teenager with long black hair pulled back into a long braided ponytail-She can't be any older than thirteen!
"Hello, Nemuri." the regal man greeted the youngster, only further confusing Karina; she had been expecting to see something scary, something worthy of her anxiety and yet, all she got was this meek mannered child!?
"Good evening, Captain Kuchiki. Please, follow me." The child answered; her features stoic and unrevealing; it seemed she wasn't at all curious at their arrival.
" Let's go!" Amaya ordered; reaching her hand up and taking hold of Karina by the bicep.
Karina jerked her arm back from the woman's grip, her features growing dark with her hatred as she met her gaze. Knowing well enough she didn't have to put words to her emotions, Karina just glared at her, hoping that the empathetic Amaya could feel every ounce of malice-It's her fault! Her fault I'm now being made into a science experiment!
Amaya let out a sigh, averting her gaze before walking forward on her own. Karina felt her body shaking from her mixed emotions as she forced her feet forward in order to follow; knowing that running wouldn't be an option. The sound of Karina's boots echoed through the dimly lit hallway of the large building, inside was nothing but stark grey walls. The further they walked, the more pathways opened, like a maze of confusing tunnels. Karina couldn't help but think that making a wrong turn in this place may actually end up being fatal!
As the group made a sharp turn down one of the corridor's Karina's brow furrowed; the many computer screens stationed to the side of an open room catching her attention. As her gaze moved, Karina felt her stomach roll and than drop as if she'd just swallowed a brick. Right next to the elaborate set up of computer screens was an exam chair not too different from one she would see in a human doctor's office-Bloody hell, I really am about to be turned into an experiment!
"Ah, there you are. I was beginning to wonder if we'd sent you on nothing more than a wild goose chase." Mayuri Kurotsuchi spoke, his lips lifting into a wide toothy grin.
Karina turned her head at the sound of the strange voice; realizing that someone was sitting in the large computer chair in front of the many monitors. Karina found herself taking an unconscious step backward as two pale white hands moved across the keyboard with such ease, a long blue nail on the right middle finger tapping against the keys making Karina want to squirm out of sheer discomfort-What the hell is that? How could something be so pale; it's almost as if it's been covered with paint!?
"I'm sorry, Captain Kurotsuchi, it look longer than I had anticipated. Your department head was right, it was the spiritual pressure of an Espada." Amaya stated; catching both Mayuri and Byakuya's attention.
"An Espada?" Byakuya pressed, his brow furrowing.
"I see, and what is that I am sensing? Have you brought me something, Amaya?" Mayuri's teasing tone causing Karina to take another step backward.
" Along with the Espada was this woman. She appears to be nothing more than human, but under the condition given to me by the Head Captain, I felt the need to bring her for observation." Amaya answered.
Karina felt her chest tighten as the regal captain turned his head to really look at her. Karina held her breath feeling as if the man's intense steel gaze was searching her, peering into her very soul.
"Excellent. I will be sure to preform a thorough examination." Mayuri grinned.
Karina felt her skin crawl at the comment, forcing her to turn her head from the grey eyed Byakuya. Karina sucked in a deep breath, filling the room with a shocked gasp. Mayuri tilted his adorned head to the side; his inhuman golden eyes filled with amusement.
"Is that how you normally greet someone you've just met?" Mayuri asked as he tisked his tongue.
Karina parted her lips to speak but found she had no voice, just the presence of this man was enough to render her speechless. With every second under the scrutiny of his direct gaze Karina felt the rush of anxiety spread; her chest tightening, the palms of her hands turning cold and clammy.
" Tch. It seems as if you've forgotten your manners entirely! I swear..." Mayuri countered with a roll of his eyes.
Karina shook her head, taking another step backward as the captain of squad 12 stood from his chair. The man was of average height; but he may as well have been a giant to Karina. On the top of his head sat what looked like two solid white horns, his face was painted in an abstract pattern of black and white; only heightening the intensity of his stare.
"Are you at least capable of speaking your own name, or should I just label you myself? I think test subject 6 would be rather fitting under the circumstances..." Mayuri grinned.
"How did you know?" Amaya blurted; causing Mayuri to turn his gaze to her, giving Karina the ability to take a full breath.
" It's no secret that Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Espada number 6 is the only living male Espada." Mayuri answered.
Karina jerked at the mention of Grimmjow; causing her to take two full steps forward, forgetting her fear a bit.
"I don't expect Nelliel or their queen to have a taste for the same sex; although that is purely just speculation." Mayuri shrugged nonchalantly.
"It was Grimmjow." Amaya confirmed.
Mayuri nodded; turning his gaze back to Karina, searching the woman for any signs of trauma. The way the woman held herself gave Mayuri the impression that she was fearful, whether or not her fear came from his presence or the circumstances he couldn't quite pinpoint. While her body seemed to be of average weight, plus or minus a couple pounds, her height mid-range, only a couple inches shorter than himself, it was quite obvious the woman had been through an emotional awakening of sorts.
"My, my. I must say I didn't expect this kind of behavior to come from him..." Mayuri smirked, his knowing gaze lingering on the side of Karina's neck.
Karina shifted her weight, her hand lifting to the very spot the man's gaze seemed to be studying. Karina pulled at the fabric, realizing that it had still been folded down from when Grimmjow had used his teeth. Karina slipped her eyes shut against the memory-Grimmjow! What did you get me involved in? Who are these creatures? Most importantly, If Amaya didn't kill you, then where the fuck are you!?
"Is it safe to assume this woman will be observed much like Amaya and Linake?" Byakuya asked; wondering if Amaya had somehow just brought yet another substitute soul reaper to them.
"Yes and No. You see it's quite apparent that this woman would rather be anywhere else but in our company, Captain Kuchiki." Mayuri answered before turning on his heel.
"Kameko!" Mayuri called out to the back of the room.
Karina leaned her body, trying to get a view of what she had thought was an empty room, but to her surprise, three other beings emerged from the back as if summoned by the strange painted man.
"What is it, Mayuri?" A soft spoken brunette asked, her mannerisms giving off a sense of familiarity and...warmth?
"It was as you suspected, we have another." Mayuri smiled down at his wife, lifting his left hand and placing it to her shoulder before turning his attention to the tall redhead who stood by her side.
"I take it you will be more than capable of showing our new 'guest' to her room?" Mayuri asked.
"Yes, Captain Kurotsuchi!" Kameko insisted, bowing her head to him in respect.
" Since she doesn't seem to have the proper etiquette to reveal her name, you may address her as Subject 6." Mayuri smiled, meeting Karina's dark gaze.
"Karina! That's my name..." she clipped, not even bothering to hide her agitation with the man.
"I see. Was that so hard?" Mayuri taunted her even further before giving her his back.
Karina stood slack jawed at the man's audacity-just what the hell is he playing at!? Treating me as if I'm nothing more than some specimen under a slide!? Karina took a step forward, her brow furrowing as her confusion and anxiety morphed into anger.
"I would quit while you're ahead." Amaya warned her; already reading Karina's thought process, It didn't take a genius to understand that Mayuri Kurotsuchi would only allow so much disrespect before his intentions turned murderous.
Karina paused; pulling her bottom lip between her teeth in an effort to swallow her pride-I'm acting foolish! I can't allow anger to cloud my judgement like this, if I do, I might not make it out of here in one piece!
"My name is Kameko Nomura; it's nice to meet you, Karina, was it?"
Karina nodded her head, still not trusting herself to speak freely; the woman may be acting sweet to her, but she was a soul reaper and right now it didn't matter how sweet they came across as, any soul reaper would now be considered a threat.
"I'll walk with you, Kameko. To make sure Ms. Reiko doesn't get any ideas..." Amaya insisted.
Karina gritted her teeth in frustration as she turned her gaze to the petite woman; if anyone truly deserved her anger, it was Amaya.
"After you, Kameko." Amaya stated sweetly; making Karina roll her eyes-I wonder if the others know just how vile this woman can really be!?
Karina turned on her heel; pausing to look back at the two men dressed in white long jackets, both of them had symbols stamped on their backs, no doubt the mark of their status within this world. Karina felt her stomach lurch uncomfortably as the soft natured brunette from earlier tucked her arm around the painted Mayuri-are they...together?
"She is his wife. They have twin daughters that are approximately 11 months old." Amaya answered her unspoken question almost nonchalantly as if giving her the weather report.
Karina shook her head, unable to process what a woman who looked so wholesome would see in a painted freak of nature like him!? Karina turned from the couple, no longer interested in asking useless questions. Reluctantly, she followed both Kameko and Amaya down the maze of pathways; it seemed that even if she did somehow manage to leave the room they gave her, she would only end up lost and disoriented-with my luck, I'll walk straight back into that creepy lab!
Karina stayed silent as the three of them walked, trying her best to keep track of her surroundings; they'd taken at least 6 different hallways already, by the fourth Karnia had given up trying to keep a mental map-It seems I'm utterly hopeless at this type of thing...damnit, Grimmjow!
"This will be your room for the time being." Kameko stated; pulling a metal key from her inner pocket and inserting it into an impressive lock.
Karina's lips parted taking in the large metal door as it swung open on thick hinges. It was no better than a prison cell-what the hell have I done to deserve to be confined!?
"This is just a precautionary measure, I assure you once we've gotten to know you better more suitable accommodations will be arranged."
Karina felt her shoulders slump as she met the woman's intense blue gaze; even though Karina wanted to hate her, she just couldn't bring herself to act snide with her sounding so apologetic. Karina shuffled her feet in front of her, walking as if she had been sentenced to life, her eyes closing tightly as tears of frustration threatened to surface, in a span of forty-two hours her life had been tossed upside down and it felt like she'd done nothing more than land flat on her face.
"You have a small bathroom where you will be able to bathe. Meals will be delivered to you on a timely schedule in-between Captain Kurotsuchi's examinations." Kameko continued, not realizing that Karina was literally three seconds away from losing her shit!
"Thank you, Kameko, I can take it from here." Amaya stated, bringing the young soul reapers attention to her instead of the new human.
"Yes, Ma'am." Kameko whispered before stepping out into the hallway.
"For Grimmjow's sake, I hope your earlier thoughts of him coming to save you are just wishful thinking." Amaya blurted.
Karina gulped in a deep breath of air as she spun on the heel of her boot; holding her breath to the point it burned her lungs, Karina swung her right arm with full force and with a balled fist she aimed right for Amaya's left cheek. Amaya felt her body stagger to the left, her footing going clumsy as the shock of being hit registered in her mind-what the fuck!? She...She didn't even think about hitting me, she just...struck...as if on reflex!
"How the hell did you just do that!" Amaya growled, reaching her left hand out and grasping the human by her throat, using her flash step to pin Karina to the reinforced walls.
Karina let out a grunt of pain as her back slammed against the wall, the back of her head bouncing off of what felt like concrete-Fuck!
" Nobody should be able to hit me, I can hear every thought right before the attack even takes place! Just what the hell are you, Karina Reiko!?" Amaya demanded.
Karina raised her hands to the woman's forearms, digging her nails into her flesh as she tried to loosen Amaya's hold in order to take in a breath, but whatever power she had made it almost impossible, here she was, being strangled by the second person in two days!
"That's enough, Amaya!"
Karina gasped, sucking in a well needed breath only to be tossed into a coughing fit.
"Let go of me!" Amaya demanded, jerking her arm away from the woman who had succeeded in pulling her away from Karina.
"What the fuck are you doing!?" Linake Zaraki spat; her sapphire gaze flickering like flames as she met her best friends chocolate gaze.
Amaya stood with her chest heaving, reaching her hand up to her face, she pressed her fingertips into the tender flesh.
"What are you doing here?" Amaya countered, trying to reel in her emotions; being taken by surprise had fueled her with such a confusing emotion, almost a blind rage.
"Luckily, I came to welcome the new human when I found out about her arrival." Linake answered before giving Amaya her back.
Karina stood with her ass leaning against the wall, her hands braced on each of her knees as she struggled to clear her airway; it had all happened in a flash, one minute she'd heard Amaya speak of Grimmjow, then, she'd hit her-How can I manage to hit someone Grimmjow couldn't!?
" Leave, Now!" Linake demanded.
"What!?" Amaya huffed.
"You can explain whatever the hell just happened here later, right now, you need to leave." Linake repeated.
"M-Mrs. Zaraki, is everything okay?" Kameko asked as she filled the doorway, her expression one of confusion.
"Everything is fine, Kameko. Why don't you help Amaya back to the lab, I'll be there in a couple minutes." Linake replied, her tone filled with less bite when addressing the younger soul.
Amaya snorted before turning on her heel and shoving her way passed Kameko. Kameko let out a grunt of surprise at the substitute soul reapers treatment.
"Leave the key with me, Kameko." Linake insisted, holding the palm of her hand out.
Karina lifted her head, taking in the face to the woman who had come to her rescue, the woman's voice had been so commanding she hadn't expected to be staring at such a short curvaceous woman. Her body almost matched her own, only, she was shorter. Karina felt the muscles in her body begin to relax as the strange woman walked closer to her. Even the the giant metal door closing didn't sound nearly as condemning with her present.
As Karina met the woman's sapphire gaze she knew within an instant that this soul reaper was...different. Linake let out a sigh, lifting her right hand to her long dark auburn hair and pulling it back behind her ear, grasping the key in her other hand.
"Looks like I haven't been given the whole story here. My name is Linake Zaraki, I'm the 4th seat of squad 11, what's your name?" Linake asked.
"K-Karina, Karina Reiko." Karina rasped.
Linake stared down at the new addition, a sour taste filling her mouth as realization donned on her; Karina Reiko wasn't just another case of a human with spiritual pressure coming to the soul society to be examined; it looked as if she were a prisoner, the real question was, why?
"I'll get you some water to drink first, then, I'd like for you to tell me everything that's happened to you from the beginning, Karina, will you do that?" Linake asked.
"Yes..." Karina answered; feeling like at any moment her emotions were truly going to break-I need to talk to someone! I need answers and I feel like this woman will actually give them to me!
Grimmjow let out curse as he rolled over on Karina's empty bed. The woman's scent haunting him as he tried to will himself to sleep; sleep meant regeneration, and if he didn't heal the wounds he'd just suffered, he wouldn't be at his best when he made the Garganta to enter the soul society. Grimmjow knew it wasn't exact and there was a chance he'd come out in a pretty shitty district, just like last time.
Tossing his arm over his eyes Grimmjow laid flat on his back, ignoring the pull from the wound on his chest. He'd done his best at bandaging himself up with what Karina had in her medicine cabinet-at least I got the bleeding to stop. As Grimmjow lay there, replaying everything in his mind, he only grew more restless-the minute I find that bitch, she's gonna pay for every last drop of my blood she spilled! Feeling content with his vow of revenge, Grimmjow's body sank down into the mattress, the soft scent of his woman filling his last thoughts as he finally drifted to sleep-I'm coming for you, Karina!
Author's Note: While I do enjoy writing this little adventure of mine, Man! Do I have a lot of OC's! lol. It's kind of time consuming trying to figure out who to place where while also giving you guys your favorite canon characters. I'm doing my best though, I still have work and other things going on, but, I hope you guys continue to enjoy! More will be up eventually! -L.J.