I Don't Know How...
Orihime couldn't tell how long she walked the endlessly turning corridors with her three Arrancar captors. There were times they descended downwards, deep into the Hollows' world. Other times they ascended. In a break from the featureless grey stones of the walls and floors, they passed windows that showed they were high above the sands. When she had an opportunity to look, Orihime noticed also the tunnels were illuminated by veins of luminescent threads woven into the ceiling and walls.
They were not always alone. They passed other Arrancars. Those quickly distanced themselves from Starrk and Ulquiorra, as their spiritual energies were far less than the two of them. However, there were others, things Orihime could not identify. Sometimes, she only saw them out of the corner of her eye. Others still stayed in the shadows as they passed, watching her.
"Don't be scared of whatever those things are," the tiny Arrancar Lilynette unexpectedly assured Orihime, "I don't know what a lot of them are either, but we're safe with Starrk and Ulquiorra. I think."
The teenage girl didn't know what to say back.
"These tunnels are neat, aren't they?" the youthful looking being continued, seemingly unbothered that the human girl did not answer, "Nobody really knows who built them. They stretch all over Hueco Mundo. From under the old fart's castle to way past where you and Ulquy came in the Garganta. Well, not all way west, nobody should ever go there."
Orihime tried to keep the neutral, submissive demeanor she put on earlier, but couldn't fully hide her interest in the description Lilynette offered of this strange new world. Perhaps sensing that, the Arrancar kept talking.
"Now, if you go further east, most of the tunnels have collapsed," the green-haired Arrancar went on, "There's a couple that surface over there, but they just lead to the oldest ruins. Course, there's a ton of ruins all over the place. You probably passed a bunch near Las Noches. The ones in the east though are way, way older. Like these tunnels no one really knows who made them."
Lilynette paused briefly, trying to recall more facts to regal about Hueco Mundo.
"They also say the lights down here were all made from pieces of a single being. They were parts of its fur or mane, something like that. I don't know if it was another Hollow or some other weird creature. They say it might even still be somewhere in these tunnels. It could be harvested again. It's hiding so that can't be done."
Lilynette's mood suddenly turned less chipper. She wandered away from the others and started to trace the light threads in a nearby wall.
"That actually sounds kinda, I dunno, harsh, maybe cruel even. To use something like that, then just toss it away scared and confused, " she said, possibly herself never having considered the prospect before, "Hollows are beasts, but they don't deserve to be treated like that. I use to think once we become Arrancars, we don't have to be that way anymore. But we're still all so scared of each other. It's, it's like Hueco Mundo has be that way."
Listening to her, Orihime momentarily forgot her position as a prisoner, and that the being before her could possibly be decades older than herself. Instead, the auburn-haired teen only saw what appeared to be a sad child ruminating over the harshness of the world she lived in. Orihime approached Lilynette with an outstretched hand, wanting, if she was in any way capable, to comfort her.
"What do you think you're doing?" the green-haired Arrancar asked, suddenly seeing the human girl coming nearer. Lilynette looked genuinely unsure what the teen girl was trying to do. Orihime looked around to see both Starrk and Ulquorra were watching her too. As always, it was hard to tell what the pale Espada was thinking of the situation. Starrk's expression was also just as hard to interpret.
"Girl?" Ulquiora said. Had she not been so scared what the others may do, Orihime would have found the genuine inquiry in his voice odd. She started to run away from Lilynette and Starrk to the her other captor. As she did she remembered fully where she was and whom she was with. She did not expect Ulquiorra would offer any comfort or defense of her if she had somehow offended the others. Although, had she any opportunity to reflect on what was occurring, she would not have wanted that from him either. Instead, Orihime froze up. She hugged her arms to herself in some vain posture of protection and huddled there awaiting whatever punishment the Arrancars deemed necessary. She was too scared to even listen to what Starrk and Lilynette were now saying.
"Come along, girl," Ulquiorra now commanded turning away from her, the emotionless tone now completely restored to his mannerisms.
"Yes sir," the girl complied and hurried to follow. She kept apart from Ulquiorra, but also as much as she could from the others and avoided looking toward either party. They continued several more minutes until reaching a massive, dark expanse. Orihime could not see the other side or the bottom. Still avoiding the others, she missed a silent direction from Starrk for Ulquiorra to continue forward. Orihime was confused when the pale Arrancar leapt into the abyss without any instruction of how she should follow.
As Orihime was trying to figure out if her shield could carry her, a wolf like the one that had guided her came barreling toward them. It was at least twice the size of the earlier one. Lilynette grabbed onto it as it neared and leapt upon the beast's back. The wolf continued to charge forward and jumped into the chasm. The small Arrancar riding it let out a gleeful laugh as they disappeared into the darkness.
Still baffled at what she just witnessed, Orihime didn't notice Starrk approaching her.
"Maybe Ulquiorra forgot you can't ride reishi particles like us?" he said suddenly.
The young girl squeaked in shock and nearly stumbled off the cliff. The Arrancar caught her by the waist to stop her from falling.
"Are you okay?" he said, but quickly realized she may be too afraid to answer, but he would still need to try anyway, "May, may I carry you down?"
Orihime managed a reversed nod. She was not fully prepared for Starrk to suddenly pull her into a bridal carry and leap into the gorge with her. She tried as best as she could to remain calm. After what felt long time falling she tried to look around once more. There was just darkness. Then suddenly Starrk offered a tiny light, holding one of the glowing threads to illuminate their fall.
"It's Inoue Orihime, right?" he asked. In the faint, flickering light he held, the teen girl did see not the menace she expected from him. Instead just sadness and weariness showed on the Arrancar's face, "You don't have to say anything. You can just nod or shake your head. I'm Starrk, Coyote Starrk. Earlier, you were tying to help Lilynette feel better when she was getting sad, weren't you?"
The girl, though still frightened, did manage another cautious nod.
"I appreciate that, truly" Starrk said. Though keeping any display of emotion in careful check, Orihime was still both surprised and touched by his gratitude.
"We've always been together. She's been in that body the whole time. Arrancars don't age like humans over years, or even like Shinigami do, over decades. I can't begin to imagine what that does her mentally, being trapped as a child." the Arrancar said in the low light, "And as for Arrancars always preying on each other. Well, there's a mantra the old king makes his subjects repeat. It may be older than him though. It's about how Hollows should never receive anything like trust, love or friendship. Really, it says we are undeserving of such things. I don't know, but that must be so hard for her to accept."
Starrk stared off silently for a few moments into the unending darkness around them.
"Lil and I were never under his thumb since we've been Arrancars, but we still never truly escaped those words," he continued, "We were still always alone out there in the desert, until we met Aizen-sama. He doesn't much foster any trust or camaraderie among the rrancars serving him. He at least though offers us companions. Ones we have never been able to find on our own."
"Like Ulquiorra?" Orihime asked before she could stop herself. She immediately worried if replying would cause some reprisal from the Arrancar.
Starrk sensed her the tension her question caused her just as quickly. "It's alright," he responded, hoping to ease her fears. "I know what he is like. Maybe I am just being stupid thinking I can ever expect anything else."
Memories flooded back on Orihime about how alone and scared she had been since her brother died and before she met first Tatsuki, then Ichigo and then Rukia, and Chad and Uryu. Before she got overcome by remembrances off all her friends or having to deal with the pangs of uncertainty about never seeing them again, she thought of Starrk and all he'd shared with in the dark there.
"Don't give up," she said and squeezed the Arrancar's nearby hand. Neither one said anything more through their journey through the abyss. In another few moments they softly touched down at the bottom of the drop and Starrk gently placed Orihime on her feet. Ulquiorra and Lilynette were waiting for them. The tiny Arrancar walked over and forced herself between Starrk and Orihime.
"What were you two doing that whole time?" she asked with undisguised jealousy.
Orihime headed over to Ulquiorra, but she briefly looked back. She smiled at Starrk petting Lilynette atop her head. Turning back to the pale Espada, the auburn-haired girl found him staring at her. She had gotten better at finding the subtle hints to his emotions buried beneath what most would see as an impenetrable, plastered on expression. Orihme believed it was confusion over her interaction with Starrk. For her own part, while she recognized the danger he posed, she could not help feeling anywhere nearly as afraid of him as she had been before.
"Come along girl," Ulquiorra commanded, this time, a smallest fragment of bitterness was detectable.
After a short walk, the group entered a room of multiple levels of pillars and platforms surrounding an open, lighted area. As she had seen on the way, Orihime knew there were many watching from the shadows in this place. It was difficult to tell how many. On the far end there was an Arrancar with pink hair and glasses in a more form-fitting version of the outfits of Ulquiorra and Starrk wore. He was lounging on a throne in the visible area.
"Szayel Aporro Granz, what are you doing here?" asked Ulquiorra. This time, the annoyance in the pale Arancar's voice was not so subtle, "Where is Aizen-sama?"
"There were preparations for taking Las Noches he wanted to personally oversee," the pink-haired Arrancar answered. His eyes narrowed as they fell on Orihime. "So, this is the human with unique powers you were sent to collect? She looks interesting. I can't wait to learn more about her,"
Orihime could tell this Szayel's spiritual power was a significant, but far beneath that of Starrk or Ulquiorra. From his tone and the way he looked at her, she did not want be alone with him. She even felt in danger from him with the other two around.
"Our new pet is quite lovely," said another figure stepping forward. It was an almost inhumanly tall Arrancar with long, dark greasy hair, a jutting upper jaw and a covered eye. He had a strange rounded hood and curled toed boots. In a different setting, he probably would have looked comical, if not outright ridiculous. "Does she know any tricks, or do I get to teach her some?"
This new Arrancar licked his thin, almost non-existent lips as he approached. Lilynette was the one who moved between him and Orihime. Starrk let out a low, nearly growled, "Nnoitra," that stopped the tall Arrancar from coming any closer. The teen girl didn't need any minute clues to guess this Nnoitra was also not one be caught alone with.
"This is too great an insult," came another voice. This time it was from an Arrancar in another corner. He was clearly male, but had a softer, feminine look. Although his demeanor was anything but soft. He was notably furious. He had several wounds that appeared to be burns, but a slightly closer examination showed lingering particles of ice that clung to him, "I endured all these injuries and humiliation for one human!"
"Actually, Luppi-chan, we have a demonstra-" the pink-haired Szayel started to say.
"Quiet! I don't care what she can do!" the inflamed Luppi interrupted.
As they argued, Nnoitra had gotten near Ulquiorra, much to his obvious chagrin, "So, Ulquiorra, have you considered any "discipline" options…"
"All of you, ENOUGH!"
There was a massive outpouring of reiastu. Orihime instantly dropped to her hands and knees reacting to it. For a few moments she was sure it had blinded her, but her sight did return. She still almost wanted to cry from how painful it had been. After another few moments, she was able to mentally account for any injuries. She had expected to have patches of skin missing, but she was whole. Now able to look around her, she could see all the others there had fallen too, except Ulquiorra. Though he was staggering somewhat.
"That's my Starrk" said the nearby downed Lilynette, followed by a harsh cough. "When we were alone, wandering the desert, he was one of the greatest powers of this world."
As the things restored slowly around her, Orihime recognized that the painful reiastu had indeed been from Starrk silencing the others. He was helping up Lilynette. He then looked towards Orihime. She could see the remorse he had at having hurt her in his outburst. He was hesitating on checking on the girl.
"I'm okay," Orihime announced, struggling to get back to feet. "It just surprised me. I'll be fine, really."
Orihime was still fighting hard to return to a standing when Starrk extended his hand to her. The young girl took it and used it to pull herself up.
"I'm, I'm glad Inoue Orihime," the Arrancar said, "And I'm sorry."
For a brief time he held the teen girl's hand in silence. Orihime then glanced over to Ulquiorra, then back to Starrk. He looked reluctant again to act. Though she said nothing, Orihime managed to urge him on.
"Are okay too, Ulquiorra?" Starrk managed to ask.
"Uh, yes," the pale Arrancar answered, confused at this unforeseen show of concern.
"Good, as for the rest of you," Starrk said, letting Orihime go and turning to the rest present, "Nnoitra, Szayel, neither of you are to go anywhere near this girl."
The two both scowled, but they immediately submitted to him. The other, Luppi started again to protest.
"No more complaints Luppi, not now, got it?" Starrk said, shutting down the wounded Arrancar. Luppi cowered back, looking defeated. Starrk then sighed, now visibly exhausted, at least mentally, at having to exert authority over the others.
"That brilliant display of reiastu must have been Starrk," came a voice from atop a staircase at the back of the room. Descending it was the former Shinigami Captain Aizen Sousuke, flanked by the grinning Ichimaru Gin and the stern Tōsen Kamame. Aaizen countinued, "Such a unique quality of spiritual power. It's marvelous how it pierces through the defenses of others."
"Aizen-sama," noted Starrk. All the Arrancars dropped to one knee, although Szayel first quickly scuttled away from the throne to kneel beside Nnoitra.
"Please rise my Espada," Aizen said softly, "I see you've returned Ulquiorra."
"Yes, Aizen-sama," the pale Arrancar answered dutifully, "I have brought the human girl."
The former Shinigami Captain's gaze fell on the high school girl. She was bathed in his massive reiastu. It was difficult to endure, and she knew he could easily incapacitate her, if not simply destroy her with its presence alone. However, though she knew to fear it, it lacked something she could not determine. It did not have the heaviness of Ulquiorra, the sharpness of Starrk or the sickening malice of whatever she sensed in the castle. She didn't know what to think of this absence, but the feeling remained with her.
"It is Inoue Orihime, correct?" he said in the same eerily calm manner as he took his place on the throne, "Would you be so kind to show us your powers at this time?"
Another Arrancar approached. He had blue hair in a delinquent-styled cut, a jawbone-like mask piece affixed to his face and lacked a left arm. Orihime had never seen him in person, but he matched a description she heard of an Espada who had twice nearly killed Rukia.
"Grimmjow, what-" Luppi was overheard, but he again went silent when he looked to Starrk. Though the brown-haired Arrancar had not even glanced at him.
Orihime set upon the task of restoring Grimmjow's arm. As she did, Aizen waxed on about the nature of her powers, calling it a rejection of phenomenon. She wasn't sure what he meant about it crossing into "the territory of the Gods." While the things he said she had started to figure out while she had trained in the Soul Society with Rukia, it was helpful to have it stated in clearer detail.
Upon making him whole again, Grimmjow flexed his recreated hand. A sinister grin spread upon his face.
"Girl, there's one more spot you have to fix." The blue-haired Arrancar turned, revealing a scar on his back.
There was small gasp from Luppi. Grimmjow pointed his grin now in the other Arrancar's direction.
"I must ask you to delay that Grimmjow," said Aizen, erasing the mounting tension between them.
"Wha, Aizen-sama, you, I..." the blue-haired Arrancar stammered in disbelief.
"I may need to re-order the numbers of the Espada very soon," the Shinigami continued, "If our plans for Las Noches go well, I may be adding a considerable amount of new members. Do not fear though, you shall always have a place in the Numeros."
Orihime quickly retreated away from the healed Arrancar in case he lashed out.
"Oh, and Luppi," Aizen added, "I will need you relocate to the north western quadrant of Hueco Mundo. Please wait there until I have need of you."
"Uh, the north west, but…" the stunned Arrancar started to object.
"You will be as valuable to me as the others I have sent there, Luppi," Aizen said silencing him, "You understand that, don't you?"
"Of course, Aizen-sama," he said as he gave up.
"Then please, make haste there," the former Captain ordered.
Luppi exited looking dead-eyed. Watching him leave, the previously stunned Grimmjow now smirked in triumphant, "Heh, this is even better."
"It doesn't matter that you didn't win as long someone else loses, huh, Gimmjow?" Lilynette asked, her tone indicating she was not impressed with the thuggish Arrancar.
Grimmjow shot a venomous look at small girl. He then immediately looked towards the disinterested Starrk. The blue-haired Arrancar then looked away. He was not going instigate anything at this time.
"Now my remaining Espada," Aizen announced, "Return to your quarters and your duties. Be prepared should any former allies of our new guest arrive. Whether they are human or Shinigami, deal with them accordingly. Szayel, you are still making progress with our war preparations?"
"Of course, Aizen-sama," he answered, "All shall be ready for your need."
"And Nnoitra," Aizen now turned to the tall Arrancar, "Please continue with your recruitment efforts."
"Tesla is coming back from a big hunting trip," he replied, "I'm heading back to sort 'em now."
"The numbers I have been receiving have been underwhelming, Nnoitra," Szayel commented, "Are you sure you're not being overly strict evaluating newcomers?"
"Uh-huh, and how many of the ones I send to you make it through your processing?" Nnoitra shot back.
The two went on bickering as they walked off into the dark. For a moment, Orihime thought of Ichigo and Uryu, but hearing the horrific details the two Arrancars were arguing over quickly removed that nostalgia. Grimmjow also disappeared, heading off somewhere in another direction.
"Ulquiorra, you will be charged with watching over our guest while she is with us," Aizen next ordered.
"Of course, Aizen-sama," the pale Espada responded with obedient bow.
"Also," Aizen continued, "Menoly, are you here?"
"Yes, Aizen-sama," another Arrancar said coming forward. This time it was a female one that looked like she could be close to Orihime's age, or slightly older. She had short blond spiky hair and a skull-like mask fragment covering her right eye.
"Please accompany Ulquiorra to the quarters we've prepared," Aizen instructed, "Tend to her immediate needs. Make sure she is fed and made comfortable. Then bring her to see me."
As Orihime was led away, she looked back to Starrk and Lilynette. The small Arrancar looked sad at the teen's exit, the other regretful. Orihime realized they could not defy Aizen. Yet, she found she could not be angry or disappointed in them. As she was led away down another dark corridor, she mouthed silently to them, "I'll be okay."
"Starrk, what is your impression of our new member?" Aizen asked the brown-haired Arrancar after Orihime was gone, his tone clearly pointing to the answer he expected.
"It is dangerous to bring a human to Hueco Mundo. Worse if more follow her. I trust-" Starrk answered, but paused to reconsider his choice of words, "Imagine you have calculated for this risk, Aizen-sama?"
"You doubt me in this respect?" the Shinigami asked, again it was clear which answer he wanted.
"Absolutely not, Aizen-sama. As for that girl, I have no opinion." Starrk did not sound wholly convincing, but Aizen looked satisfied, "My wolves will continue their patrols. I'm going to bed until you have a need for me."
"Aizen-sama, may I visit that girl?" Lilynette suddenly piped up. Starrk did show concern over her request.
"Of course, you and Starrk have that privilege," Aizen replied. If there was some sinister meaning behind the benevolent sounding answer, neither Starrk or Lilynette lingered on it. They headed off on the same path Orihime and her captors had headed.
The three ex-captains remained in the visible portion the chamber. Tōsen grimaced, "Aizen-sama, do you think it's safe to let those two fraternize with the human prisoner?" he asked with his hand on his sword handle.
"I have full confidence Starrk knows which boundaries to remain within. He still believes he owes me for the companions I've given him," Aizen said. It almost sounded like a scoffing laugh beneath his words, "It can only be to our advantage the more Inoue Orihime believes there are those who could be her allies among my Arrancar. Oh, and regarding that, Loly, you know the task I have for you?"
Another female Arrancar appeared. She wore revealing clothes and had her dark hair in pigtails. She had the same skull mask as Menoly, only over her left eye.
"Of course, Aizen-sama," she said as she knelt, "I shall do so whilst I return to my false mistress."
"Do proceed then," the former Captain said to dismiss her, "I do not want you missed."
"Hmm, those two?" Gin now spoke up as this final Arrancar left, "You have somethin' really devious cookin' up for that Orihime girl, Cap'n Aizen?"
"I have several scenarios, actually Gin. I admit, I am quite intrigued to see which comes to fruition,"Aizen leaned back in his throne with a serene smile. Despite having followed him for decades, the fellow conspirators still felt unease over thr malevolence behind his expressions, "I don't know when I last anticipated something as much as I have as for Kurosaki Ichigo coming to Hueco Mundo."