Updated: 24th October 2016 (lots of new content and numerous changes + an omake)
Hello!
Many thanks to everyone who have read the story and especially the one who have reviewed!
Isolated Mind, hirahira, Iana Sabelle, RedPrincess, Sweet Scrifice, phoenix-aerith, deirdre'sdreams, Lorraine C., Ps e, eeza77, SnowLion no Miko, sphinx, Tourmaline91
It sure took me some time to finish this, but at last here's the fourth chapter!
Enjoy!
朝霧 -Asagiri-
The Frozen Whisper
by Asagiri
Chapter 4
(Un)Daunted
After making sure that the room for the Shinigami woman was prepared, Ulquiorra went to check on her. It had been decided that she would be staying in his wing of the castle, which was a rather logical arrangement, since he was supposed to be looking after her. Still, the room chosen for her was on the other, far off side of his wing, and on the lower level to his own room. It was more to the centre of Las Noches, with windows looking out on the vast space under the dome with the illusory sky.
They were supposed to keep the appearances that they weren't her enemies, and a normal room was supposed to strengthen that impression. And as a Shinigami, she would most probably prefer a familiar sky, with days and nights, instead of Hueco Mundo's eternal darkness, or no windows at all.
When Ulquiorra entered the infirmary, the medic woman informed him that his captive – no, ward… it'd be best to get used to neutral nomenclature – was asleep. Her condition was stable.
Nonetheless he entered the room anyway.
Indeed the Shinigami was asleep. She was basically in the same position he'd left her – facing the wall, though from what he could see she was hugging a pillow now. He supposed she was looking for some kind of comfort in it.
Ulquiorra walked up to the bed. The most conspicuous thing about her was that she was all tense in her sleep, and her breaths were shallow and irregular. Her slumber wouldn't bring her much rest.
Taking his right hand out of the pocket, he gently brushed her dishevelled hair from her face, careful not to interrupt her sleep – she needed it, after all. Her moist skin was curiously chilly to touch. If there were no other signs of life in her, one might think she was dead, especially with her pale, almost blue lips.
With her hair brushed aside, he could see her brow furrowed in a frown and her jaw clenched. There were still traces of tears on her face. The Shinigami had cried herself to sleep, that was obvious. Or perhaps she'd lost consciousness from all the confusion and emotions – her body knew she needed rest to recover from serious wounds, and the last thing she needed right now was additional stress.
Ulquiorra continued to keep his hand on her clammy forehead, but her skin wasn't warming up from his touch. Curious. He knew her zanpakutō was ice-type, but this was highly unusual.
Then, in a way an even more unusual thing happened – the Shinigami began to relax under his touch. Her expression softened, her muscles loosened and her breaths became more regular, though still shallow.
People found comfort in proximity and physical contact, Ulquiorra knew that. He did not understand why, though.
For her it was an involuntary reaction. She was unconscious, after all. But still, it was the oddest thing for her to relax under his touch. It even seemed her forehead got slightly warmer, too. He didn't know what to think of it.
However he was sure if she was conscious and aware it was him, her enemy, undoubtedly her reaction would have been completely opposite. She'd most likely tense even more and immediately put a distance between them, probably fearing he was attempting to hurt her.
Ulquiorra withdrew his hand. With some sort of amusement he thought that if she woke up even slightly rested, it would be because of him. The irony of it.
After washing his hands in the room's bathroom, he left quietly. He ordered the medics to inform him once the Shinigami woman woke up.
When he arrived in his room, the cold of her skin still lingered on his fingers.
※
Rukia woke up. With a displeased groan she noticed nothing had changed – she was still in Las Noches.
She didn't remember when she'd fallen asleep, but she supposed her body's limits were really low for the present and all that crying had exhausted her and she'd just passed out. She had no idea how long she'd been asleep, but at least she felt somewhat rested, physically at least. Mentally she felt rather empty.
Not without difficulty she got off the bed and went to the bathroom. She didn't need to scrutinise herself in the mirror to know she looked awful. Her sunken face was framed with mat, greasy hair, unkempt and sticking out in every direction. Her skin was sickly pale, lips parched, her eyes bloodshot and lifeless.
Rukia scoffed at herself. She needed to get a grip. She couldn't wallow in self-pity, she couldn't cry anymore, and most importantly – she couldn't let her enemy see her distress.
What would her brother and friends think of her if they saw her like this? Disgraceful.
Having no hairbrush, she frantically started to comb her hair with her fingers.
She was a Shinigami, a Kuchiki, and she had a pride. If there were no extraordinary circumstances, a good presence was essential. She had a name and family to represent, after all.
Her friends had never abandoned her. They would never do that, too. Rukia was sure of it. That Espada could say anything he wanted – she would never believe him. She would unwaveringly keep faith in her friends.
Besides, even if they'd abandoned her, it shouldn't matter to her as long as they were safe in Soul Society. Especially Inoue.
Rukia Kuchiki was a soldier. They had a mission, they completed it. Their last mission had been successful, the rest should be secondary. She'd been ready to die, when they'd set out. And she almost had died, too. Perhaps her friends hadn't noticed there was still some life in her battered body when they'd been leaving Hueco Mundo, and she would never hold that against them. Never.
Yet, she'd survived. Perhaps it was inconvenient to be captured by the enemy, but as long as she was alive, there was some hope for her.
Somehow Rukia managed to untangle her hair from their mess. She then undressed and examined her body. It looked ugly and weak. She was all bruised, but still the worst was her stomach. The skin was most tender there and most discoloured with angry red and purple scars. Her wounds hadn't been healed completely yet. If she were to put any bigger strain on her stomach, she was sure the scarring tissue would break and they would reopen.
The thought was slightly tempting, but her predicament didn't seem hopeless enough to warrant suicide, though. She had home to return to, with family and friends.
The enemy decided to keep her alive, they even bothered to heal her. She would use the fact that they needed her for some purpose and spared her life for the time being. She wouldn't give up. She couldn't give up.
Rukia brushed her teeth and then carefully cleaned herself in the sink as best as she could without putting too much strain on her wounds. Washing her hair was quite difficult as she quickly got dizzy, but she went about it patiently and in the end she managed to finish this task.
Finally clean, she looked and felt slightly better, though wet hair clinging to her face gave her a rather miserable appearance. Rewrapping the bandages around her abdomen and dressing, she went back to the room.
Back in bed, Rukia wondered what she could do in her situation. She could escape the room, no problem in that, but what for? She'd get caught immediately anyway, and not only that – she'd be confined, this time for good. She'd got the horrid taste of it, and she'd rather avoid it at any cost. And even if she somehow managed to flee the castle (the likeness of this happening was close to none, though), she wasn't skilled enough to open a gate neither to Soul Society nor the Human World.
Damn! The Shinigami simply loathed the fact she couldn't do anything, when the sole person she could count on was ironically herself. Without no-one to rely on, her own weakness was painfully obvious.
Was all she could do now just sit and wait for Soul Society to come to Hueco Mundo? But that wouldn't happen until the winter war! Was there really no other chance for her to escape? Were her prospects nothing but forlorn?
However no matter how long it would take, she would be ready. If a chance to escape arose, she would be prepared to take it. She would always have her eyes open for such chance. Rukia just had to get back home. She had to help her people and Ichigo fight Aizen. This time she wouldn't be useless!
Her musings were interrupted rather by the sound of the door opening than the soft knock on the door preceding it. An Arrancar woman entered, wearing a white apron that suggested she was some sort of a medic. She pushed in a small trolley with bandages and various containers. After few seconds Rukia recognised one of the Arrancars she had put to sleep with Hakufuku.
"Rukia-sama," the woman greeted her with a respectful nod. The Shinigami stared in surprise at the unexpected politeness coming from her foe, even if it was a servant that addressed her. Not knowing how to response, she only returned the nod.
"If you could undress, Rukia-sama, I would like to check your wounds and change the bandages," the Arrancar explained.
"O-of course," Rukia replied flustered, automatically returning the courtesy. She did as asked, sitting on the chair that the woman moved to the middle of the room.
The medic unwrapped the bandages and drenching a swab in some colourless liquid from one of the containers, she gently cleaned Rukia's stomach and her back. The liquid wasn't very pleasant on the skin.
"Does it hurt?" the Arrancar asked.
"A bit," the Shinigami admitted. "On the scars."
"My apologies, Rukia-sama. But it will speed the healing of your wounds."
"N-no need to apologise…" she mumbled. This was too bizarre… "Just like there's no need to title me like this. I'm no high-born or anything…"
The Arrancar nodded, but Rukia had a feeling she wouldn't comply. So she didn't insist, instead she asked, "Tell me, what day is it today?"
"It is still the same day as you woke up before, Rukia-sama, only evening."
"I see, thank you."
Then the woman proceeded to rub in some greenish ointment on her scars and bruises. It left a tingling, invigorating sensation on her skin that slowly permeated into her body. It was a sharp but altogether pleasant feeling. The angry colours on her stomach faded a shade, too.
"This balm increases—" the Arrancar started to explain, but was interrupted by the door opening.
Despite being turned with her back to the entrance, Rukia immediately knew who just came in. She could feel his scrutinising gaze on her frame. She tensed, suddenly self-aware of her nudity.
The woman's fearful voice confirmed his identity. "I am almost finished here, Ulquiorra-sama."
"Good," he replied simply, emotionlessly. Thankfully, he remained by the door.
In nervous silence the woman finished rubbing in the ointment. Wrapping the bandages around Rukia's stomach, she then helped her put back on the yukata. She even tied the obi for her.
"Your wounds are almost healed, Rukia-sama, but please be careful. In the morning you will receive one more treatment and that should be it." The Arrancar took a medium-sized container from the trolley and put it on the table by the bed. "And here is your meal, Rukia-sama. I apologise in advance for the taste and texture, but it is all the nutrition you need without putting the stress on your still tender intensities. Please make sure that you drink it."
Rukia nodded her head. "I-I will, thank you." The woman's politeness kept making her reply accordingly.
She followed the woman with her gaze as she fearfully passed by the Espada. When they were left alone, she felt him scrutinise her profile. Feeling uncomfortable sitting in the middle of the room with her back to him, Rukia got up and moved to the other side of the room, leaving the chair between them.
・
Ulquiorra observed the Shinigami closely from the moment he'd entered the room. With somewhat of a surprise he noted the politeness with which she spoke to the medic. After all when turning to him her voice was cold, angry or bitter.
He saw her body, bruised and wounded. It looked fragile but somehow it held up, against all the odds. If he were to break her in half, perhaps it wouldn't be that easy. He supposed it was mainly her tenacity that kept her going.
The Shinigami had apparently cleaned herself, her hair was still damp. He noted she looked slightly better, less sick… perhaps even rested? There was more life in her violet eyes, that were now unfalteringly staring into his. She even raised her eyebrows expectantly, waiting for him to state his business. Yet he could tell she was unsure in his presence, maybe she even feared him.
・
Rukia returned his studious gaze, but couldn't find anything in him she hadn't seen the last time. He was just as blank as before, aloof with his hands hid in pockets, an expression neither soft nor stern. Only those marks on his face and rather thick eyebrows that looked like they were knitted together gave him a rather sad, melancholic look. But she knew that wasn't the case. He felt nothing, she was sure of it.
"How are you feeling?" he asked suddenly.
She blinked at him few times, letting his words sink in. That was like the most uncaring question about someone's health she'd ever heard. She supposed even Captain Kurotsuchi showed more care towards his test subjects.
"You'll have to be more precise," she returned after a pause. There were bitter undertones in her voice.
・
Now it was Ulquiorra's turn to look at her quizzically, though he quickly caught on what she meant. "Your wounds, how are they?" he asked again, not really knowing why he bothered in the first place. Perhaps it was curiosity. He wanted to study her and see if she could surprise him any more.
"Been worse," she replied. Then she added, a small challenge shining in her eyes. "They're healing, but you know that already."
Her subtle cheekiness didn't escape his notice. He continued, "Your mind?"
She narrowed her eyes at him, and whispered coldly, "… Been worse." There was no further remark this time, though. The Shinigami finally broke the eye contact and looked away from him and at some random spot on the floor.
Ulquiorra then got down to official business. "Aizen-sama would like to see you soon. He's been inquiring about your condition, so I'm sure he'll be glad to hear you're getting better."
・
As a comment Rukia only raised her eyebrows slightly at the ridiculousness of his words. Aizen didn't give a damn about her, and she knew it all too well, just as he should know too.
"You'll remain in the infirmary for tonight too, but tomorrow you'll be given a room. It's already prepared and waiting for you."
The Shinigami nodded her head, acknowledging the information. She assumed that was a good thing, perhaps it would give her some privacy and she could train there a bit to get back in shape. She didn't delude herself that she would be able to freely move around Las Noches, though. Regardless of his choice of word, it would be a cell, not a room.
"Do you have any questions?" the Espada asked.
Of course she had questions, but she didn't think she would get any honest answers from him. She tried one, anyway, "My zanpakutō…?"
"It's been broken."
That she knew already, having broken her during the fight with Kaien-dono— no, that had been the 9th Espada…! Yet a pang of remorse struck her heart at the memory of her superior and mentor. Taking a deep, slightly shaky breath she continued, "Where is she?"
"Safe."
Oh, for gods' sake! Rukia's right eye twitched in irritation at his brief and non-specific answers. Not that she expected anything better from him. "And here I thought she got legs and run off on me too," she scowled in a caustic manner, though her voice was strained.
The Espada slightly frowned at her in return. "Don't be ridiculous, Shinigami. It's healing itself."
That was good news, she supposed. At least they hadn't thrown out nor destroyed her Sode no Shirayuki, and she was somewhere in the castle. "Can I have her?"
・
She doesn't give up easily, does she? Ulquiorra remarked, mildly annoyed, though he didn't let it show as he explained, "I'm sure you understand why we can't trust you with a weapon yet. But once Aizen-sama finds you trustworthy, I don't see why he wouldn't let you have it… her."
The Shinigami woman didn't even bother to mask her unhappiness, but she did cease her bothersome queries.
"Do you have any other questions?" the Espada asked in spite of himself.
Fortunately he was met with resigned yet biting, "No."
"Do you need anything?"
・
This time Rukia looked away from him and whispered quietly, "No…" Nothing you would or could give me, anyway, she mused sadly.
"Rest then." It sounded like an order and probably was.
Huffing inwardly, Rukia had to stop herself from glaring at him – best not give him any satisfaction or acknowledgement. She really didn't need to be told she had to get better. She knew that herself and she had every intention of getting back in shape and favourably kicking this jerk's arse.
Somewhere between her 'bunnies and bears' illustrated daydreams of him at her feet begging for mercy and planning how to actually defeat an Espada of his level, he left. That made her breath out a sigh of relief. She just couldn't stand the man.
Blinking few times she noticed the chair was no longer in the middle of the room, but in its original position by the wall. He must have moved it while she was making him yield in her thoughts.
Rukia sat on the bed, suddenly feeling tired. Having to have to interact with this Espada in any way was too stressful, even though he wasn't flaunting his reiatsu at her or anything. She would even say he was jerkishly civil, but she hated his guts all the same. Grabbing the container with her 'meal', it turned out to be some yellowish shake or liquidish purée. She took a sip and immediately grimaced. It was as bitter and crappy as her mood.
※
It wasn't that Rukia was getting used to waking up and realising she was in Las Noches, and not in some dark dream. Yet there was that gradual acceptance of her fate that was relentlessly chaining her to the reality.
There was no escape.
And with such painful realisation she greeted yet another day in the enemy castle. Or at least she thought she woke up to a new day already.
Soon after, she heard a soft knock on the door and again she was surprised that someone would have enough courtesy to alert her of their entering the room. The lock clicked and the door opened revealing the same female Arrancar as before. This time too she pushed a small trolley in front of her with various containers. On the lower shelf, however, the Shinigami noticed a bundle of folded white clothes and a pair of black shoes with contrasting stripes.
"Rukia-sama," the Arrancar bowed respectfully to which she nodded in return.
The treatment proceeded the same way as yesterday. Firstly the woman cleaned her midsection with the stinging liquid, but when she started rubbing the greenish ointment into her fading scars and bruises, Rukia decided to inquiry about the emotionless Espada that seemed to be her caretaker. 'Know thy enemy,' they said, after all.
"What can you tell me about Ulquiorra?"
The Arrancar looked at her quizzically, nevertheless she replied dutifully, "Ulquiorra-sama is one of the strongest Espadas and also one of the most trusted by Aizen-sama. He is well respected by everyone."
Rukia assumed it was the truth, at least from the servant's point of view. "Anything else?"
Knitting her eyebrows together, the woman replied almost apologetically, "There is not much I can tell you about Ulquiorra-sama… He is very smart, but very cold and distant. He does not let on much about himself."
She'd gathered as much from her own observations. "Is he a cruel man? You seem to be afraid of him."
The frown on medic's face deepened. "That is because I have failed him. Because my colleague and I neglected our duties, Rukia-sama almost died. Ulquiorra-sama was not pleased."
"Oh… I'm sorry, I suppose…" Rukia mumbled, though she wasn't sure how much sorry she really was.
"But I would not call him particularly cruel or violent," the woman continued. "As long as he has no reason, that is. He has not punished us yet, for example. Perhaps Ulquiorra-sama will benevolently overlook our error."
"Perhaps," the Shinigami supplied kindly. After all she didn't really want this woman to get punished. It wouldn't bring her any satisfaction or benefits, too.
The Arrancar finished rubbing the ointment into her skin. It did wonders. Bruises faded almost completely. Only the scars from Nejibana piercing her flesh remained, but they were faint.
"I am glad to see your wounds are healing nicely, Rukia-sama," the medic commented, while wrapping fresh bandages around her abdomen.
Rukia agreed, "Yes, as am I."
"Within the next couple of days all traces of any damage should disappear completely." The Arrancar approached the trolley. "Here is your meal, Rukia-sama. It too will help with your full recovery." Just like the last time, she took a container and put it on the table. Rukia inwardly cringed remembering the awful taste from yesterday, but didn't let it show.
"And I have also brought you your new set of clothes. I hope they will meet your tastes," the woman added, taking the white bundle and shoes, and placing them at the foot of the bed. "Will you require assistance with them, Rukia-sama?"
The Shinigami shook her head. "I think I'll manage, but thank you."
"As you wish, Rukia-sama." The medic bowed and left, but not before informing her that 'Ulquiorra-sama' should come soon and take her to her new room. Rukia somehow kept neutral expression on her face, at least as long as the medic could see her.
Once the lock clicked she heaved a sigh. She still tired too easily. Eyeing the clothes warily, she decided to leave them for later. Nutrition came first. She needed her strength back for her current condition was just pathetic. Scrunching up her nose, she opened the container with her 'meal'. Just as she thought – it was the same menace to her taste buds as yesterday.
Rukia made a face, but she bravely drank it whole. She gagged right after, but deep breaths helped her to keep down the liquid until the taste in her mouth and throat became more or less neutral. Few minutes passed and just as before, she could feel vitality returning to her body. It was a very sweet sensation.
Taking the outfit, she went to the bathroom to wash herself and then change. Once clean and refreshed, she finally turned to the bundle. With a feeling akin to dread she extended her hand and picked it up, hoping it wouldn't be too flashy nor revealing. Simple one would do, really.
Here goes nothing, she thought and started changing her clothes.
Luckily, they weren't as bad as she feared they would be. Her new outfit consisted of a regular hakama and a sleeveless high-collared jacket, leaving her shoulders bare. Her back was exposed to the loins. From her waist, the jacket split into four even pieces of fabric that reached below her knees. In the spaces between the four cascading fabrics the black sash that held the hakama in place could be seen. The set also consisted of long, two-layered gloves which began from her middle fingers, covered the back of her hands, and made it a little bit past the midsection of her arms. The first layer just above her elbows split into two parts, which, when her arms were hanging down, reached her wrists. She got the customary Arrancar shoes as well.
When she finally emerged from the bathroom, she was met with kind of a bored expression from the Espada, who sat casually on the chair. At least she thought it was a bored expression, for it really wasn't any different from the one he always seemed to wear. He was the one-face man, she supposed jeeringly.
"Took you long enough, Shinigami," he said, standing up. "Now come, Aizen-sama wishes to see you."
Rukia's eye twitched. Calm down, don't let him get under your skin. He's not worth it…
Instead of throwing the yukata at him (it wouldn't hurt him anyway, so why bother?), with excitement she put her hands to her face and chirped, "Oh my, what an honour it is." Yet wanting to annoy him, she made a show of scrupulously folding the yukata and obi, straightening every wrinkle she could find. Who knew lessons for young noble women in folding a kimono in an absurd number of ways could become handy at the time of war…
Turning again to face him, she twisted her lips into a sweet smile, not too fake, but not genuine either, at least for people who knew her well enough. Lifting the cascading fabrics a little, she curtsied mockingly. "Lead the way, kind sir."
He stared at her with his eyebrows raised.
Seeing no other reaction from him, Rukia continued, "We should not be making someone as distinguished as Aizen-sama wait, should we?" She tried to speak with the greatest awe she could feign, especially the name and the title, and was rather satisfied with how it came out.
・
For a moment there Ulquiorra thought the Shinigami had gone mad, but after the initial confusion he realised she was acting. The biggest give-away were her eyes – cold and sad, despite that cheery façade. He refrained from any comments, instead he said simply, "Follow me," and opening the door, he proceeded to lead her to Aizen-sama.
Neither of them spoke, the silence was disturbed only by their echoing footsteps.
From the corner of his eye the Espada watched her closely. Nothing betrayed what she felt. She actually held her head high and walked next to him as if he was anyone but the enemy. He couldn't find any signs of fear or uncertainty in her, no matter how much he squinted his eyes. She could control her feelings well when she wanted to. Not only that – whenever she caught him looking at her, she would smile at him sweetly, yet her eyes remained cold.
Interesting tactic, but Aizen-sama's presence alone should be enough to strip off the façade, laying out her true feelings bare. His master could break anyone on a whim, regardless of how strong their resolve was.
・
Rukia knew he observed her. She was pretty sure he was looking for something that would betray what she felt. As if she would give him anything! She had decided to put on a mask which wouldn't let through any strong emotions. She was now officially thanking the Kuchiki elders who had taken great pains into pounding into her, among other things, how to keep her composure no matter the situation.
Still, her face muscles were beginning to hurt from forcing the smile.
She could fool others to some extent, but she couldn't fool herself. Because the fact was Rukia was filled with dread at the lone idea of meeting Aizen again. He was extremely dangerous. And she couldn't forget about Ichimaru, too… Just the name itself was giving her the creeps.
Not wishing to dwell on those particularly unpleasant thoughts, she passed on to the next issue that was bothering her – namely her Sode no Shirayuki. The zanpakutō had been by her side most of the time and now without her she felt like without one of her limbs. Rukia knew she was somewhere in the castle; she could feel her presence. The sensation itself was quite comforting, but how she wished to speak with her, bicker with her a little…
She didn't notice when she halted.
"What is it?"
The Espada's impassive voice broke her out of her musings and she abruptly jerked her head in his direction. "Wha—?" She blinked few times, returning back to reality. "Ah."
To keep with her act she smiled sweetly and swirled in front of him. "You still haven't commented on my new clothes. What do you think?"
・
Frowning, Ulquiorra for the first time looked at her as a whole being, taking in what was in front of him – a young woman; her figure, movements, face. She wasn't in her best condition, but even as she was now a majority of people would find her pretty. She wasn't the most beautiful one out there, but with her petite figure, overall gracefulness and extraordinary eyes, she gave a rather agreeable impression. And he had to admit the clothes she had been provided brought out her physical qualities, giving her a sense of individuality, unlike the Shinigami ones. That was yet another thing the Arrancars were superior to Shinigamis, even if superfluous.
But there was one thing that put him off – that fake smile she plastered on her face. Insincerity didn't become her at all. Even a glare, but an honest one, made her prettier than this.
"They suit you well," he nonchalantly told her at length. "Better than that shapeless and plain Shinigami shihakushō. You're now one of us, and this attire is one of the symbols of your belonging."
・
Rukia didn't expect him to reply, though naturally she didn't like his answer, and truth be told – she wouldn't like his answer no matter what it would be. And most importantly, she did not belong here, among Aizen's lackeys, among her enemies.
When the Espada made a move to resume his step, she decided to drop her act and asked straightforwardly, "Where's my zanpakutō?"
He eyed her for a moment. She hated when he did that, she felt like his eyes were dissecting her into little pieces, analysing them thoroughly, judging – all without any hint of emotion like she was an object, not an actual person.
"It doesn't matter," he responded in a way that indicated the end of this topic, and to make his point he proceeded to walk her to Aizen.
Rukia followed him, standing in front of him and making him stop in his tracks. "Why won't you tell me? It isn't some kind of top-secret information, is it?" She looked at him pointedly.
・
Ulquiorra flatly ignored her and effortlessly moved past her.
Perhaps that fake sweetness wasn't that bad, when compared to her obstinacy… As much as he found her determination admirable, she was acting very foolish. It could get her killed, and he did have that little urge to smash her head into the wall and be over with this nuisance. Hadn't it been for Aizen-sama's order to keep her alive, he would have done it. Even his curiosity wouldn't have saved her. This Shinigami really was treading a dangerous line, and she'd better realise it.
・
"Answer me!" Rukia almost yelled at his back, but it had no effect. Annoyed, she tried something else.
Folding her arms in front of her chest she halted. "I'm not going anywhere until you tell me."
She knew it was childish of her, but at least she wanted this bastard not to ignore her! It seemed to work, because he stopped and turned around.
"I can always drag you by force, Shinigami," he deadpanned.
Momentarily her eyes widened and then narrowed. She hissed through her gritted teeth, "You wouldn't dare."
Suddenly the Espada appeared right in front of her. He towered over her, intimidating her, but Rukia stood up to him. However when she noticed he was about to take his hand out of his pocket, a fear flashed through her and she instinctively backed down. She was no match for him.
He took a step forward and she took a step backward.
She'd rather not give him a reason to be cruel…
Another step for him and another for her.
She could see traces of distaste in his face and eyes, which surprised and scared her at the same time, but at least his hand remained in his pocket.
His step, her step.
Inwardly she was beginning to panic.
The Espada took another step, but she somehow managed to keep herself from cowering back. She looked him in the eyes, not boldly or challengingly, though. Grudgingly, but she admitted her defeat.
They stood facing one another for a while, their gazes interlocked. Eventually the distaste from his face vanished in favour of his usual aloofness. Only then Rukia looked away.
"You may not be my enemy any longer, Shinigami, but I have little patience for foolishness," he told her warningly and taking a step back, he once again started to walk.
"Damn you," she murmured soundlessly. Dispirited, she followed him, this time one step behind him.
It didn't take long before they arrived at their destination.
Standing in front of a massive door, Rukia could feel the enormous reiatsu of Aizen coming from behind it. It made her hair stand on end.
With dread rapidly flooding her heart and mind she watched as the Espada lifted his hand and knocked on the door. Three knocks, each more terrifying than the previous.
She didn't want to be in the same room with Aizen – the man whom she'd once respected and looked up to, the man who she'd thought was a fine Shinigami and captain of Gotei 13, but who'd in the end turned out to be a traitor and a megalomaniac murderer. Not to mention that with his devilish strength, intelligence and charisma, he was the worst type of enemy, the most dangerous.
"Come in," Rukia heard from behind the door, though the voice was eerily clear and unmuffled, as if Aizen was standing right next to her.
She could feel drops of cold sweat running down her back, her heart was beating so fast it felt as if it was about to burst out through her ribcage. When the Espada opened the door, she had a sudden fight-or-flight impulse, her instincts telling her to just run for it. Unfortunately her body was paralysed with fear, suddenly aware that there was no escape. She could—was allowed to move only forward into the room.
Doing her best to conceal her emotions, Rukia crossed the threshold.
The room was vast. It looked like it was designed for meetings or even more so – for audiences. There was no furniture, except for a throne positioned on an absurdly high dais. Aizen sat in it, of course, with his hand under his chin and amusement on his face. Him being higher than her and his overwhelming reiatsu made her feel small, weak and insignificant.
"Welcome to Las Noches, Rukia Kuchiki," he addressed her in a pleasant, friendly tone, just like Aizen from the old days would have. With great effort she suppressed a shiver.
・
Ulquiorra knew the Shinigami woman was terrified, even without seeing her face. He could smell the sweetness of her fear. Her body was stiff, her hands balled into fists so tight her knuckles turned white. Her breaths were laboured but quick, filled with panic for every intake of air. Just the presence of his master was enough to cause that.
"I shall wait outside, Aizen-sama," he said and after receiving a dismissive nod, he bowed and left the Throne Room.
・
Rukia would later berate herself for it, but in the moment of panic-stricken weakness, she twisted her head trying to catch the Espada's gaze with her almost pleading one for him to stay. She didn't want to be left alone with Aizen, even if it meant a presence of some disagreeable jerk. But she couldn't meet his eyes as he had already left the room, closing the door after himself. (Which was rather fortunate, as it would be only her knowing how utterly pathetic she looked that moment.)
"Come closer, Rukia."
She turned around to look at the master of Las Noches and hesitantly made her way to the dais. With every next step her legs were getting heavier and heavier, while she struggled to keep her pride and not become an animal-like mess of fear and agitation.
"So, Rukia, how do you like it here, in your new home?" It sounded like a casual attempt at conversation, but she was all too aware the spell could break any time.
"I…" She had to think of something, the wheels in her head turning fast, though it was pretty difficult to come up with something under so much affright. She replied lamely, "It is really hard to say as of yet…"
"Yes, you're right, of course," Aizen agreed kindly. "After all so far you've spent most of your time in the infirmary, mostly unconscious, too. I do hope, though, you received all the care you needed. How are your wounds?"
"Much better, thank you," she replied politely, hating herself for this. But that Espada made her realise that being difficult really diminished her chances at survival.
"When you were found, we all thought you were a goner, really. But you didn't give up, how very much like you, Rukia." Once again he called her by her given name only. He'd never done that before. It made her cringe inwardly.
"Thank you." At least she thought it was a praise. "But, may I ask…" she trailed off, unsure whether it was wise to continue. Besides, she was sure his answers would be the same painful and insulting lies as the Espada's had been. She wasn't keen on hearing them again.
"Go ahead," he encouraged her. "You can ask me anything you want, Rukia."
Going against her own reasoning, she inquired, "Why… am I here?" Maybe, just maybe, she would be able to read something between the lines and learn what exactly had happened that resulted in her predicament. Maybe one of them would carelessly let something slip…
"Hasn't Ulquiorra told you yet?" Aizen asked in a mild surprise.
Rukia only glanced at him unsurely.
"Ah well, it doesn't matter, though I hate to be the bearer of bad or unpleasant news," he smiled at her almost apologetically. In Rukia's eyes it was too perfect a smile to be genuine.
"You see, when you and your friends… though I'm not sure if they deserve to be called that – friends don't act like they did. I might not be perfect, but I would never betray a friend. I admit I betrayed Soul Society, but I had no choice. I did it with heavy heart. If only more people realised the decline Soul Society has fallen into, the corruption… I tried to make people see it, to make reforms, but no-one listened; most were even content with the status quo. The general indifference to that decay was what did it for me, I truly couldn't stand it any longer. It was Soul Society that betrayed me first."
Rukia listened to him with wide eyes, pain settling in her heart and confusion in her mind.
"Anyway, I digress… The moment Ichigo Kurosaki found Orihime Inoue, your friends proceeded to evacuate for Soul Society. I think you were already unconscious by that moment, and I must digress again to congratulate you – it's very admirable you defeated Aaroniero. You got stronger, Rukia."
She automatically nodded her head, knowing it was expected of her, while inwardly she was frantically processing his words and their meaning.
"And so they left Hueco Mundo, leaving you behind. You were unconscious, clinging to your life… but you were alive. I fear they found you… expendable? By the time someone stumbled upon you, lying there alone in the puddle of your own blood, you were so weak, at first they thought you were dead. Yet, faith in your friends that they would come for you, kept you amongst the living… Sadly, your faith was misplaced."
The more he spoke, the more pain spread inside her chest and gut.
"I can only hope their betrayal won't stop you from trusting someone again, but I know you'll need time to recover first. And I must admit I do hope that, eventually, you will put your faith in me. Soul Society is a thing of the past, a rotten corpse animated only by depravity, indifference and ignorance. It has no right to exist…"
Aizen continued to talk, but his voice just buzzed in her ears, any meaning whatsoever was lost on her. She could only gape at him, as her mind was stormed with confusion and doubt.
Yet those words Rukia had heard and understood sounded like they were nothing but the truth. He made them appear as an integral part of reality, and anything contradicting them was simply either a mass delusion or confabulation. Aizen was the truth. Because of him she was right now doubting everything, even her own existence. Nothing seemed genuine anymore, her world was crumbling down. Everything she'd done up until now was losing its meaning. Her meeting Renji, becoming a Shinigami, being adopted by Nii-sama, meeting Kaien-dono, meeting Ichigo and others, surviving Aizen's plot…
Everything had been… meaningless.
These are lies… aren't they? Even though she'd heard those lies about her dearest friends before, why couldn't she shove them away from her mind now? She should have been prepared to hear them, or even worse, countless times and not be affected in the very least. So what was different in Aizen's lies (they were lies!) from those of that Espada?
What?! Tell me, someone! Anyone!
Her body started to tremble, her knees almost gave out on her.
"Stop telling me to leave you here and run away… It's so annoying! I told you. I don't care what you say. Heh… This is the second time now… I've come to save you, Rukia."
"We at this moment head into the decisive battle!—"
"… You're thinking too much again. You're always like this. Nobody thinks of you as badly as you do. Stop blaming yourself for everything that happens. You'll crack eventually. Got that? Depend on me… or Ichigo."
"—Have faith that our blades will not shatter!—"
"I'll never let her go, you bastard!"
"—Have faith that our hearts will not waver!—"
"Rukia, I'm sorry."
"—And even if our paths should diverge—"
"Thank you, Kuchiki-san. Welcome back…!"
"—we all share a heart of iron!—"
"Kuchiki-san."
"—Swear that even if the ground beneath us should be rent asunder—"
"Rukia…"
"—we will live and return to this place again!"
She dropped to her knees, suddenly feeling too weak to stand on her own. Swirling and colliding emotions overwhelmed her, and Aizen's reiatsu too bore upon her weakened body and mind.
Rukia had the sudden urge to laugh bitterly. She was despicable. How could she? How on earth could she doubt in them? She hated herself. For letting the enemy poison not only her mind, but her Heart too; for allowing uncertainty overcome her and letting it deny everything that was dear to her and call it meaningless… She truly was an idiot. For her lack of faith they should have abandoned her. Some friend she was…
"Is something the matter, Rukia?" Aizen asked with concern in his voice.
Not looking at him, she responded feebly, her voice cracking with emotions, "No. I just suddenly felt tired, that is all."
He startled her as he suddenly appeared next to her. "Then you need to rest. You haven't recovered fully yet, after all." He passed her and headed for the massive door.
・
Outside the Throne Room Ulquiorra waited patiently, wondering in what condition the Shinigami woman would emerge through the door. Everything depended on what Aizen-sama had in store for her, really – he could leave her be or break her completely.
His master truly was a fearsome man. He wasn't just the physical strength. Even though Aizen-sama was probably the strongest man the Espada had ever encountered, he didn't follow him because of that. First and foremost, he respected him because of his mind, his cunning and intelligence. That was the most terrifying and awe-inspiring thing about him.
Soon the door opened, revealing gently smiling Aizen-sama.
The Shinigami woman wasn't beside him, so Ulquiorra peeked inside the Throne Room.
Somehow he wasn't surprised to see her on her knees, though he didn't know what his master had done to cause this and what state she was exactly in. She could be just disturbed or exhausted, or she could be broken beyond repair.
Aizen-sama gestured for the Espada to follow him back to the Throne Room. "Ulquiorra, will you help Rukia to her room? I fear the fatigue has taken its toll on her."
"Naturally, Aizen-sama," he complied and approached the Shinigami woman.
・
"That won't be necessary," Rukia looked at him warningly with her narrowed eyes, loathing the idea of being carried by this Arrancar. "I can walk on my own just fine."
To prove her point, she stood up tall and proud, though she knew she wouldn't be able to hold up for too long. Just preventing her body from shaking cost her great amounts of energy.
"Full of spirit as always, I see. Don't push yourself over your limits, though, Rukia," Aizen commented kindly, yet in her ears it sounded nothing but jeering. Suddenly she felt like she could perceive past his illusion.
"Thank you, I shall not." Rukia sort of bowed to keep the respectful façade and carefully took the first step towards the door, glad her legs didn't give out on her. She had a feeling that if she stopped orchestrating every move and stretch and twitch of her muscles, she would collapse into a heap of broken body.
"If there's anything you want, feel free to ask," Aizen added after her withdrawing figure.
With difficulty she turned around and again bowed as gracefully as her body managed. "Thank you, I am truly grateful."
"Pleasure is all mine."
Rukia nodded and resumed her step. Once outside the Throne Room, she allowed herself a soft breath of relief, but she kept walking, fearing that if she halted even for a second, that would be it for her and she wouldn't be able to move her legs any farther.
・
"This way." Ulquiorra proceeded to lead the Shinigami to her room, though she walked considerably slower than before. He carefully studied her, though she didn't give away too much on her current state of mind. Aizen-sama had gone easy on her, however it was obvious she was distressed and absolutely exhausted, with her shuffling steps, trembling body, and laboured breaths. All colour had been drained from her face, too, leaving sick paleness. Her normally brilliant eyes had become lacklustre.
However he was completely unable to tell whether she started to believe in her friends' betrayal or not. Would her obstinacy stand up to Aizen-sama's powerful influence?
The Shinigami then stopped and narrowed her eyes. He was about to think that she finally gave up her profitless struggle and would let him carry her, but following her gaze, he realised she was glaring at a man who was leaning leisurely against the wall a dozen yards before them.
・
What is he doing here? Rukia thought, immediately repelled by the sight of the man. Unmistakably it wasn't a coincidence that he was standing there of all places. He was waiting for her. Every fibre and every cell in her body rejected even the idea of encountering the man and interacting with him. She abhorred him. The last time they'd seen each other hadn't been very pleasant for her to say the least.
When the Espada and she got closer, his trademark grin got wider. "Hullo, Rukia-chan. Long time no see."
"Ichimaru," she hissed out the name, instinctively putting herself on guard. She was wary of him, for it was impossible to predict anything he would do or say. What were his intentions? Did he once again 'dropped by to tease her' like the last time? "Could have been longer."
He chuckled, "As cheeky as always. Ya sure should watch yer tongue."
"I'll keep that in mind," Rukia uttered through her gritted teeth.
Ichimaru pushed himself off the wall and approaching her, he made a circle around her, eyeing her closely, like a predator his prey. She was too tired to conceal the shudder of fear and repugnance that shook her body, not to mention she was too tired to run away.
"Anyhow, how 'r'ya feelin'?" he asked, leaning down in front of her, so their faces were on the same level. Tilting his head to the side, he commented, "Ya look rather peelie-wally, ya know."
She only kept glaring at him, as cold sweat ran down her back and her heart thrashed around in her chest. Besides, there really wasn't anything she wanted to say to him, not even curses and insults, as she'd have rather he didn't exist in the first place.
・
Seeing that the Shinigami woman wasn't keen on answering Ichimaru, Ulquiorra reported, "Her wounds are healed, however it will take another few days until she fully recovers."
"That's good to hear. I really worried 'bout ya when I heard ya might kick in. 'Twas a close one."
His superior unceasingly watched the woman, without even sparing him a glance.
Ichimaru then stood up and took a precautionary step back before asking, "And how's yer dear brother? Hope he's fine."
・
Rukia threw him the most vehement glare she could muster. How dared he use such a carefree tone when mentioning Nii-sama?! After wounding him himself?! How much she wanted to wipe that damned grin off that damned face…
"It would take more than that to kill him," she spat.
She had to actively force herself to ignore his taunting. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction. Besides, she knew any dynamic movement would result in her on the floor; Ichimaru wouldn't even need to do anything. However if she were in better condition, she'd have charged at him, all consequences be damned.
"Aye, that's Captain Kuchiki-san fer ya," Ichimaru casually nodded his head in recognition, seemingly unaware of the sudden drop of temperature and murderous intent rampaging in the air.
In response Rukia uttered a hateful hiss, while inwardly thinking up the most colourful insults possible… Renji and Ichigo would have been proud of her.
・
Ulquiorra with curiosity observed the interaction between the two Shinigamis. It was clear they had a history. Ichimaru loved to tease the woman; it could be even said he was fond of her in a malicious kind of way. The woman on the other hand was oscillating between deep-rooted fright, hate and disgust for the man. He didn't think she'd been able to express those feelings when he'd been her superior, and now they just went wild.
Ichimaru continued to smile at her. "So, where 'r'ya goin' to?"
The Shinigami woman clenched her jaw and gritted her teeth, unwilling to say a word to the treacherous fox.
This time, though, Ichimaru turned expectantly to him, and the Espada replied, "I am taking her to her room."
The Las Noches' second-in-command once again looked at the woman, grinning in delight. "So ya'll be stayin' with us fer longer. Ain't that jolly?"
Ulquiorra didn't think it possible, but her glare became even more hateful.
Unconcerned, Ichimaru slowly approached her and smiling widely, he put a hand on her head, tousling her hair gently. "Enjoy yer stay, Rukia-chan." Passing her, he added, "I'll see ya soon."
・
Rukia didn't see him wave in a parting manner. She just stood there with eyes wide open and hands clenched tightly on the fabrics of her jacket, almost hyperventilating in agitation. She couldn't help it, but be reminded of the scene that had taken place just before her unsuccessful execution. On the bridge… That time he'd awoken hope in her for being rescued. Just when she'd accepted her impending death and had been at peace with it, few words from him had shattered her resolution. He'd made her want to live again when she'd already welcomed death.
He had shaken her so easily…
Simply for the sake of his own entertainment.
How much she despised him!
And now, Rukia just couldn't keep that hope away from herself, as again it started to tug at her heart.
Her breaths became heavier and heavier, as she just wanted to scream at the top of her lungs—
"Let's go."
Sudden words startled her. Blinking, she looked at the Espada, who seemed to appear out of nowhere next to her. She was so focused on Ichimaru, that she'd completely forgot about his presence.
Digging her nails into her palms, she partially regained her composure. She managed to quench her feelings too, at least for the time being – she was with her enemy at the moment, after all – but she knew they would hit her hard as soon as she was alone.
Rukia would never admit it, but she felt somewhat grateful the Espada's words broke her out of her inner, depressing musings. Ichimaru always put her in a bad mood. How was he able to affect her to this extent? For years she'd been trying to find a way to be impervious to his taunts, but to no avail. He always seemed to know where her most tender spots were and just played with them wickedly.
The Espada started to walk and she moved to follow him, but her legs suddenly felt wobbly. With difficulty she reached the wall, and leaning against it for support, she slid down to the floor.
"I need to rest a bit," Rukia breathed out, resenting being seen in such weakened state, especially by her enemy. He turned around to look at her for a moment. Thankfully he didn't make any comment, only nodded, and taking few steps back, he leaned against the wall opposite her.
After a couple of minutes the Espada broke the silence, stating, "You fear him."
Her throat was clenched from all the suppressed feelings, and it took her a moment to speak before she was sure her voice wouldn't crack. "You don't?"
・
"No." Somehow Ulquiorra knew she wasn't trying to be insolent, but simply asked.
"You should," she replied – cautiously, wisely, but oddly casually at the same time. "Only an idiot wouldn't fear Gin Ichimaru. He doesn't let on much, but I know he's up to something. In a way he's even more dangerous than Aizen, he's just too unpredictable. Don't ever trust him."
He raised his eyebrows at her. Did she just call him an idiot? Yet, it didn't seem she meant to insult him, surprisingly enough. She actually gave him an honest advice with which he basically agreed. There was no malice in her eyes, that were slowly regaining their lustre after the meeting with Aizen-sama.
The Shinigami woman was still breathing heavily and he just didn't see her walking the remaining distance to her room. He wouldn't be surprised if she passed out on the way there.
"There's no need for you to be wearing yourself out like this. You're doing yourself no favour."
She stared at him, quickly catching on where he was going with his words. She replied with tired, but stubborn edge to her voice, "Thank you for your concern, but I'll walk alone."
Ulquiorra wouldn't mind carrying her. First and foremost – it would make things quicker. Even before, the Shinigami woman had walked rather slow for his standard pace and he'd had problems adjusting. And now, after being drained of energy from the encounters with Aizen-sama and Ichimaru, he didn't think her step would increase.
Secondly, she wouldn't have to exert herself, which was ridiculously unnecessary and didn't help with her recovery in any way. And he could easily assume this wouldn't be the only stop she'd need to reach her room. Foolish, stubborn woman…
And thirdly, he was curious of her body temperature. Had it been just a coincidence or some kind of phantom feeling, or her ice powers weren't reserved just to her zanpakutō? During their encounter with Ichimaru he was certain he felt the air temperature drop down quite considerably – a rather unusual phenomenon in Las Noches.
Ulquiorra tried to reason with the Shinigami. "A walk from here to your room takes around fifteen minutes, under normal circumstances. But for you in your current, weakened state, it will take forty to fifty minutes at least. I can take you to your room under three seconds."
・
"I don't doubt it," Rukia replied, her tone of voice clearly stating the end of this topic. She wanted to avoid being carried by him at all costs. To achieve that she needed rest, and him nagging her wasn't helping. With final look to just drop it, she then closed her eyes with a tired sigh.
She was getting quite comfortable and drowsy, when she heard him ask, "Are you falling asleep?"
"No," she murmured.
After a pause he asked again, "Are you losing your consciousness?"
Rukia opened her eyes and frowned at him. "No." Then she asked, not even bothering to hide her annoyance, "Are you in a hurry?"
・
"Not particularly," Ulquiorra replied truthfully, though he could be doing so many much more productive things than waiting for this Shinigami woman.
"Then give me few more minutes," she sighed and closed her eyes again.
With surprise Ulquiorra noted some sort of easiness she displayed in his presence. Perhaps it was the fatigue, but she did act more relaxed in front of him than she'd acted in front of Aizen-sama and Ichimaru. By closing her eyes she put herself in vulnerable position… Didn't she think him her enemy anymore?
Not only because of this, but he found her intriguing – in how she tried to seem strong and independent despite virtually being on the edge of passing out from exhaustion. The woman was a fool, but somehow it didn't awake any real contempt in him for her, only curiosity at motivations that drove her.
In a way he found her even more interesting than Ichigo Kurosaki.
Ulquiorra saw her nodding off, so he decided to break the silence and asked, "What is the reason behind your behaviour? Why not be over and done with it?"
She twitched and then shrugged.
"Do you have a reason at all?" he persisted.
The woman sighed wearily. "Yes."
"Apart from your foolish pride, which is obvious…" She opened her eyes, violet sternness staring at him, but she remained silent, not giving in to his taunt. Since she wouldn't reveal the reason herself, the Espada tried guessing, "Do you resent being touched by a Hollow?"
She tilted her head to the side, her brows knitted together. "It has nothing to do with you being a Hollow."
"But you have a problem with me," Ulquiorra pointed out, though inwardly he was quite surprised by her answer.
"As a matter of fact, I do," the woman confirmed bluntly.
"What is it then?"
She grumbled angrily under her nose, but eventually she replied, her eyes throwing daggers at him, "You hurt Inoue."
"I didn't touch that woman even once," Ulquiorra countered. That was a lie, but he decided to keep things simple. It wasn't like he had inflicted any pain or injury on that Human woman, anyway.
Her gaze became frigid. "You made her act against her will. You threatened her. You upset her. That's enough for me to say you hurt Inoue. And that's enough for me to hate you and resent being carried by you."
Ulquiorra didn't comment, knowing he couldn't deny her accusations. Besides, he didn't need to explain himself to her. She could 'hate' him for all he cared. Yet, having witnessed her hate, he could safely assume she bore no real hatred towards him. Dislike perhaps, but not hatred.
After another few minutes the woman finally gathered the last scraps of her strength and stood up. But before she could take a step forward or have a chance to protest, he swept her up into his arms, and moved with Sonido.
"You—" she growled in surprise and anger, but didn't have the time to finish her sentence, as almost immediately he put her back on her feet in front of a medium-sized, white door. After steadying her to make sure she wouldn't stupidly fall over, he stepped away from her and opened the door.
"Your room," Ulquiorra said impassively, ignoring her indignant glare. He nonchalantly put his hands back into the pockets, inwardly noting the temperature of her skin. It was cold. However the physical contact lasted too brief to say anything precise. He wasn't sure whether it really was much colder than normal. And if it was, was it just the skin, or did the cold come from her core?
・
Rukia refused to acknowledge that those three seconds had saved her long minutes of painful struggle of walking on her own. Grumbling under her nose, too tired to lash out at him, she entered the room.
"I'll come in few hours," the Espada informed her. After a pause he added, "Get some rest, woman, you're barely standing." Then he closed the door. To her surprise, he didn't lock it, though he didn't have to. After all, where would she ran away to, really?
Finally alone, she stumbled to the bed, all strength leaving her body. She felt weak and helpless.
Rukia had lied before. She wanted to be rescued… She wanted her brother to scold her for her imprudence as he unleashed Senbonzakura. She wanted to hear Ichigo and Renji's reassuringly annoying voices, as without much thought they went head on at their enemies; to see determined faces of Ishida and Sado as they too prepared to attack, but also to support the two hot-heads. She wanted Inoue to cheer for them and to protect them all, and heal them if needed.
Tears again started to well in her eyes and that heavy feeling squeezed her chest.
Hope… Sometimes she hated it.
Rukia punched the bed repeatedly, screaming soundlessly into the pillow, angry at her weakness, doing everything to stop herself from crying.
It was time to fully accept her situation, she decided. This wasn't a bad dream she would eventually wake up from. She was alone, and she could count only on herself. There would be no miracles in this godforsaken, hopeless place, too. No-one was coming for her.
OMAKE (I almost put this scene in the main story… Almost…)
Once clean and refreshed, Rukia returned to the room to change her clothes. With a feeling akin to dread she approached the white bundle on the bed. She hoped they wouldn't be too flashy nor revealing. Simple one would do, really.
She untied the obi and taking off the yukata, she proceeded to put on what seemed to be a variation of hakama. Luckily, it was normal, not very different from her Shinigami one.
Eyeing the jacket unsurely, she finally picked it up to have a better look at it. She contemplated whether it wouldn't be more comfortable to put on the yukata akin to the Shinigami black kosode instead. At least—
The door opened.
Rukia instinctively brought her hands in front of her chest, covering herself with the jacket, even though she was turned to the entrance with her back. She had a pretty good idea who'd just entered the room, even without sensing his reiatsu. So far it had been only him who hadn't bothered to knock on the door.
"Hurry up, Aizen-sama wishes to see you," the Espada said as if nothing was out of the ordinary.
She couldn't help but feel rather embarrassed about the situation she just found herself in. Her face heated up a bit, and she cursed herself for this. "Can you like… step out for a minute or two?" she asked, trying to sound unperturbed.
"Why?"
Rukia frowned at his simple question. "I want to finish changing my clothes."
He paused. "What am I to do with that?"
She turned her head to take a glance at him, hoping he wouldn't notice the colour in her cheeks. His face was as blank as always, with maybe a slight look of confusion. It really seemed like he neither cared nor was interested that it was inappropriate of him to be in the room while she was changing.
"Just… never mind," Rukia mumbled, and scurried to the bathroom to finish changing her clothes.
A/N:
If the description of Rukia's attire wasn't enough, in my profile there's a drawing of it. I didn't have time to work on it, so it looks how it looks.
Anyway, has anyone of you heard Bleach Beat Collection 3rd Session: 01 -Ulquiorra-? I've stumbled upon it recently. The songs may not be great, but I love the voice ;D And it gave me some hints on how to portray his character, especially thanks to the voice message of his Seiyū – Namikawa Daisuke-san. But he sure has totally different voice when he's not voice-acting. And he sounds so agreeable ;)
And I've also heard Grimmjow's. The voice message of Suwabe Junichi-san made me laugh hysterically, because honestly, he was talking in very polite language (Namikawa-san was polite as well, but not to this degree) and while listening to it, I imagined it was Grimmjow speaking XD
But I absolutely love Rukia's song Wind, from her and Orihime's album.
朝霧 -Asagiri-