Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Hollow Charm ❯ Powerful Incentive ( Chapter 28 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Tite Kubo owns Bleach.  I just borrowed the characters.
Her hands firmly  clenched in the folds of her coat, Orihime continued to walk.  They had now entered the set of buildings she had come to think of as her prison and the people within only wished to use her.  This  was nothing like a homecoming, but more like a return to hatred, despair and disdain.  Only her determination to see this to the end helped her continue.  
Ulquiorra had hit her and while she had kicked him in return, it still smarted. Not her face, though that hurt, but her pride.  Slapping another person across the face was a sign of disrespect and contempt and while he may have  done it previously, to have her friends witness it indicated that the Arrancar was making a point.  He was not her protector, but her gaoler, or owner.  He could treat her as he wished and no one would be permitted to interfere or stop him.
Ichigo's anguished cries kept pressing into her mind and each time, with a pang of the heart, she pushed it out again.  If he had listened he would have heard her emphasise that she kept her promises and that included her promise to marry him.  She hoped that Uryu would have noticed as he often heard things that Ichigo missed.  How could she explain her determination when it would be overheard by the people she intended to betray?  Promising to return to the citadel where Mr Aizen held sway was the last place she wished to spend any more time, but to guarantee the safety of Ichigo and her friends, she was prepared to make any sacrifice, pay any price.  If necessary she would cut off her arm to ensure that her 'Kurosaki-kun' remained unscathed so he would eventually learn how to overcome his Hollow.  Once he managed to do so, she was certain that there would no person, either alive or dead, who would be able to stand against him.
Her mind strayed in the direction of Renji and she felt another spurt of guilt.  Before she'd followed through this mistaken idea, it would have been more sensible if she'd healed him.  There were only five of them who had taken the step of coming to rescue her, if you didn't count the little girl and her friends.  Five against who knew how many Arrancar?  Even though Ulquiorra had stated that they could return home without any problems, his assurance was worthless if Mr Aizen decided that the invaders should be hunted down and exterminated.  From her limited experience she knew the Aranncar, Espada and former Shinigami to whom she was returning were not honourable and would break a promise, if it suited their purpose.  Or if it annoyed someone.  Or for no valid reason, but chose to do it out of sheer nastiness.  There was little likelihood they'd do if for amusement, as aside from Mr Ichimaru, none of the people who inhabited Hueco Mundo appeared to have a sense of humour.  Or the things they found amusing she found terrifying or cruel.   They might do it to be unpleasant and make others suffer.  From her brief time spent amongst them, no low act would surprise her.  Why was she returning?
Even before her brain could form the question, the answers were already there.  She was returning to the place she found threatening, to be with people she didn't trust, partly due to a promise.  The other, half realised idea, was one that couldn't be explored now.  It would need to wait until she was alone and no one could observe the expressions on her face.  For all her planning and hopes the idea might not work and death might be the consequence.  
Squarely she faced that knowledge.  Yes, she might die, but it was only one death to save so many lives.  If she acted on this, the results were not assured but what was in life except death, and possibly taxes?  No matter how many decisions were made, a single moment could overturn all of them.  One act, one word had the ability to alter everything, creating a new objective and possibly new objections.   Realising that she was thinking it through, her concentration had slipped and the path under her feet was uneven.  She stumbled and Ulquiorra grabbed her arm to steady her and then hastily let it go as soon as she was stable once more.
The expression on his face indicated his repugnance at touching her and she wondered if she showed a similar expression.  Having the Espada touch her made her skin feel as if it should belong to someone else.  Surreptitiously she rubbed at her arm, trying to replace the cold contact with her own.  It didn't help much and the initial chill she'd experienced seem to permeate deeper.  The creature was as cold and distant as the strange moon that hung in the sky.  He had mostly prevented the other Arrancar from hurting her, but not because of any higher feelings.  For the moment she was valuable for some reason.  As soon as that value faded she would be disposable and even without trying she'd made enemies.
It has shocked her in the past when at school she'd had her hair shorn off by mean girls.  They had no real reason to do so, or none that made any sense to her.  Her hair was a different colour, that was true, but she never acted like it made her special.  Once again she felt so very glad she had met Tatsuki who accepted her as she was, and Ichigo who completed her.
He'd asked her to marry him!  As soon as he'd seen her, he'd proposed and meant it.  A small smile touched her lips as she remembered the joy on his face as she'd accepted.  It didn't matter if they had to wait; now she was assured he loved her.  Once this was over....
If it was ever over.  She'd joined the mission to the Seireitei mostly because Ichigo was going, but also to help rescue her friend.  Her whole focus had been on Rukia's rescue, and life reverting to normal as soon as they returned to their routine of school and study.  Instead of that, she was here and normal seemed so far away.  Even once this was over, what would life be like?  Would there be another enemy who emerged as soon as they seemed to be victorious, who would once more prevent peace from returning to her life.
Catching herself from shaking her head, she instead firmly and quietly stated her denial of that thought within her mind.  Everything would return to normal.  There were many changes she would need to accept, but most of them were pleasant.  Compared to the time she'd spent here, anything would probably seem pleasant.
Ulquiorra opened the door to a new room.  One which still had the same view of the moon, but was not marred by the large hole she'd created in the wall.
"Jaggerjacks has been warned as have Loly and Menoly.  None of them are permitted to visit you and assist in your escape," he said.
It suddenly came to her that he didn't know she had managed her own escape.  For all his talk of wishing to see her powers, he didn't believe she was capable of breaching a wall and escaping.  Loly and Menoly might have spoken to him but they hadn't appeared to believe that she had beaten them without a great amount of help.  They'd said she hurt them, but they seemed to think it was a fluke and not due to her abilities.
This disbelief began to rile her.  Why would no one believe she could fight?  Even her friends, who had come to rescue her had disparaged her skills; well mostly Renji and only Rukia had tried to defend her.  No wonder they'd come to on this mission.  None of them thought she would survive without help.  It made her feel weak even though she knew she wasn't.  Why was she permitting other people's opinions to affect her in any way?  Shouldn't she be the person who determined how strong she was?
Even the Arrancar and Espada dismissed her so easily even though she'd shown them a portion of her strength.  Did they think it was a fluke, or that someone had helped her?  
Ichigo hadn't even noticed she'd changed.  He'd treated her differently, but that was only because he was willing to admit his feelings.  Did he respect her and would he see that she was capable of defending herself?
Given the last few moments with him, it seemed unlikely.  Knowing how stubborn the man was he wouldn't return to the relative safety of the human world but would remain here, trying to rescue her.  It saddened her as she was pretty certain the group of her friends didn't have the numbers or the ability to overcome the foes they faced.  This war had been planned for years, in secret, and with many people working on the details.  In addition they had that thing that Mr Urahara had developed, the one she knew was integral to Mr Aizen's plan.
"Do you understand?  You're here until Aizen sama decides there is no further use for you," Ulquiorra once more seemed irritated with her and she realised he was waiting for an answer.
"I understand.  You've told me many times and I do hear and remember."  Why keep the sarcasm out of her voice.  This was one person she'd never please, no matter if she obeyed every order he gave her, submitted to any of the humiliations he seemed to plan.  If there was no possibility she could please him, then why try?  
His head jerked up and for once he looked at her properly, not with the usual calculation and air of displeasure.  "Are you being insubordinate?"
"I don't recognise you as my superior.  I can't be insubordinate to any person unless they are my superior.  So, no."  
Ulquiorra crossed his arms and lent his back against the wall as one foot was also pressed against the wall.  It was meant to show his disinterest, but she quickly saw through the act.  He was preparing to be cruel and watch her reactions to see which threats or insults had the largest affect.  Rather than pretend to be relaxed, she simply clenched her fists and faced him.
"Trying to impress your friends with a show of bravery when you kicked me?  I haven't forgotten."
She simply arched one eyebrow.  It hadn't been bravery or even an attempt at it.  The action had been a means to an end, one more step in her plan to end the war.  
"Did you think I'd forget?" Ulquiorra enquired, his face carefully blank.
She shook her head.  By not answering she was forcing him to talk.  For some reason it made her feel she had more command of the conversation and it was unusual to have this experience.  The Espada had always forced her to reply, if simply to show her compliance.  
"Your act was a deliberate insult and meant to shame me."  He seemed calm, but there were small signs his rage was growing.  
In answer she shrugged.  It hadn't been her intention to cause shame, but it didn't disappoint her if she had.  None of the people she'd met here showed the slightest sign of humility; each of them proclaiming their abilities and superiority to the people around them.  
"Take me to see Aizen," she said decisively.  "If you have a problem with me, take me to Aizen and let him sort it out."
His shock at her demand was instantly evident.  Obviously he'd never suspected she would ever demand anything of him, and this in particular.
"You should refer to him with more respect," was his automatic response.
"Are you going to take me to see him?"  Why argue?  All the previous attempts had proven worthless and she was tired of wasting her time talking to him.  Time was passing too swiftly to spend half an hour disputing his faulty beliefs.  
Then it became apparent to her how much she'd changed since she's permitted her powers to evolve.  Normally she might be stubborn, but now she was openly challenging him.  It felt good.
Ulquiorra was no longer leaning on the wall, but standing upright, with his hands fisted into his pockets.  "You do not make demands, woman!  Remember your place!"
"Aizen might want to see me.  Haven't you noticed he's interested in my powers?  Well they've changed."   While she didn't want to draw attention to her new found and mostly untried abilities, if it helped her achieve her aims, then it didn't matter.  
Then she remembered her previous encounter with the man.  Here was the perfect opportunity to make the man eager to see her.  His words promised much, but it was obvious he was seeking something more from her than she was prepared to give.  In this place of deceit she was preparing to tell another lie, but a lie for a good purpose.  "Tell Aizen I have an answer to his question and it might be 'Yes'."
Until now she'd believed it was impossible for this person to be incapable of speech.  He wasn't standing, gaping at her vacantly, but his eyes had widened and she could see he was trying to think of a way to reply.
Despite the strong impulse, she didn't smile.  
"I will ask Aizen sama if he wishes to see you," Ulquiorra said after thinking.  It wasn't a strong response to her demand, but it also didn't make him seem completely weak.
"You do that.  Remember to mention the possibility of a 'yes' answer," Orihime replied, keeping her voice cool and disinterested.  Until she had come to this place, she'd never understood how powerful appearing to be unaffected made her feel.
He stood there, appearing not to know how to react to this change, but then left the room, shutting the door firmly behind him.  
While she had the chance and the privacy, she considered summoning her powers.  As they would be affected by her actions, it was only fair they know the plan and provide advice, or insults in the case of Tsubaki.   All the same, she hesitated.  If her powers didn't agree to help, then she had made a mistake in returning and insulted her friends for no good reason.  
"I wish I'd thought it through," she said aloud, sadly.  "After watching Ichigo battle with his Hollow, I wanted to do something to help, but I may have made everything worse."
"Crying again," Tsubaki said, twitching at her hair.
"I didn't call you," Orihime tugged her hair from his grasp and noticed that all her powers were there and looking at her expectantly.
"You thought about calling us and we came," Baigon explained.  
Could they read her thoughts?  Did they know what she planned?
Lily laughed and said, "No, we can't read your thoughts, unless you think about calling us.  We've erected a shield so no one can hear or see anything which happens here."
It was difficult to hide the sigh of relief she needed to release.  Having anyone else privy to her thoughts about Ichigo might cause her to die of shame.  
"What is it you want to say?  We know you aren't preparing to battle, yet." Hingaku's face showed no expression.
"I want to stop the war.  It's why I agreed to come back."
"After all the trouble we had helping you escape,"  Tsubaki grumbled.  "Then you walk right back in after your friends came to save you."
"Shut up, Tsubaki.  I think Orihime has made an important decision and I want to know what it is," Ayame scolded him as he poked out his tongue at her.
"Don't want to shut up.  You shut up."
"Both of you shut up," Baigon ordered them as both were drawing breath to argue further.  "We will listen and not interrupt.  Is that understood?"
The other powers nodded except for Tsubaki who looked like he might well continue to argue, whether through pride or other reasons, she didn't know.  She smiled at Tsubaki and shocked, he subsided.  A smile could silence him?  That seemed strange.  His face seemed to change colour and she wondered if he was blushing.
Did he actually like her?  The other powers had teased him about it previously, but it was hard to believe.  He'd always insulted her and acted like he hated her or despised her and wished he wasn't bound to her.  If she said anything about it, there was a chance his feelings might be injured, so she decided not to ask.  
"What is it you wish to say, Orihime?" Lily asked.
What was the best way to explain?  There were many problems with her plan and it seemed unfair to drag them into this, but there was no choice.  
Taking a deep breath, she began to explain her ideas and the reasons for the decisions she'd made.  The 6 faces looked at her calmly as she explained.  No one interrupted for which she was thankful.  It was difficult trying to sort out her thoughts and use the words which made the most sense.  The longer she talked, the clearer everything became and the more she believed the words she was uttering.
When she finished, there was silence and she sat down, feeling the strength leave her legs.  It was now their decision.
"I agree."
Orihime felt the shock run through her.  The one she thought she'd have the most trouble convincing was the first to accept her plan.  She stared at Tsubaki who shrugged and then grinned.
"You want to take action, not sit around moping while everyone takes care of you.  I hate it when you do."
He was simply voicing his opinion, but it hurt slightly because it was true.  She had mostly been content to be passive before she gained her powers and even after that she allowed other people's opinions on her abilities to dictate her efforts.  If she had never been abducted, never come here, she may have worked with Rukia to improve, or she may have let it all slide and instead permitted others to make the sacrifice.
"I agree with Tsubaki, which is a first," Ayame spoke next and patted Orihime on the shoulder.  "Your plan is to help others and stop the War.  How can I disagree?"
Hingaku nodded.  "I think I may speak for all of us.  We will help you in this."
The others nodded.
"It won't work unless I'm taken to Aizen," was the next thing Orihime felt obliged to mention.  "Breaking through the walls might draw too much attention."  She was trying to lighten the sober mood which filled the room.  
"It was fun breaking the wall," Baigon admitted, to her surprise.  "We're always healing or fixing people.  A little destruction is a change."
The rest nodded.  It seemed not only had her powers grown in strength and stature, but they were no longer interested in purely protecting and helping others.  Did this reflect a change in her own nature and thoughts?
Lily looked thoughtful and sighed a little.  "We should talk about this more.  There are some details missing and there should be a back-up plan in case the original one doesn't work."  She paused and then looked at Orihime solemnly.  "Whatever it takes, we have to do this."
It was then she recognised that they understood the whole plan.  The few details she wished to hide were not hidden but in plain view of all.  A touch of fear made her shudder as she accepted the one decision she was pretending she hadn't made.  It wasn't a sacrifice for her.  Not really.  A sacrifice would be for Ichigo or any of her friends to die in trying to rescue her. Anything she did was essential and there wasn't anything she wasn't prepared to undergo to prevent it happening.  
"There is a small error I think could be corrected if we do this," Baigon said and proceeded to outline an idea which seemed innovative and very sensible.
The discussion continued with each of her powers contributing a new idea, or a better method for managing the more tricky aspects.  If she had any doubts they were ready to help her in this endeavour, those doubts faded until they vanished.
"I think it is wise for us to rest now,"   Hingaku said after they'd talked for what seemed hours.  "The Espada will return eventually and the more sleep we have, the more alert we will be."
It was true.  Orihime was feeling the effects of all the events: the escape, the experience with Ichigo and his Hollow, the proposal.  Had it only been a day in which all these events occurred?  It seemed longer.  
Lying on the couch, she stretched her arms above her head, briefly, to ease some of the stiffness out of her shoulders.  Until now she hadn't noticed she'd been holding her shoulders tightly due to either excitement or fear.  In this place she always felt observed, as if someone was observing her every move, and she didn't like it.  It was a relief when she'd been given the assurance that a shield had blocked any attempts to overhear their plans.  The larger the element of surprise, the better the chance it would work.
Her eyes drifted closed as sleep overtook her.  She was exhausted and knew that lack of sleep would impair her judgement.  It was rare the Ulquiorra woke her when she was sleeping, unless for a particular reason and his pride might prevent his speedy return unless Aizen wished to see her urgently.  It might happen, but she was only a small concern.  For some reason she thought Aizen saw her as a basic weapon that could be easily ignored and discarded. He may have attempted a minor form of seduction, because she could not deny now how much it sickened her, but he obviously believed she was foolish and too young to understand his attempts to manipulate her.  He wanted to rule with her?  And all the female Espada and Arrancar, no doubt.  Otherwise why were Loly and Menolly so envious of her, unless he had also shown them favour in the past.
Those thoughts led to very strange dreams of Aizen marrying Rukia while Renji performed the wedding ceremony and Ichigo was dressed as a bridesmaid.  Rejecting the dream, her mind presented her another, equally confusing where she beheld the reason for her return, only to see it snatched from her grasp just as her fingers reached out to touch it.  The hand which now held it was that of the little girl who had been with Ichigo.
Dream followed dream, each showing images which confused and dismayed her.  If she were superstitious she would believe that they meant her attempts would end in failure.  Was her subconscious trying to warn her, or due to her mind being taxed by too many emotional events and unpleasant occurrences she was having these dreams?
Her body jolted and she woke, heart pounding and her eyes unwilling to open. They felt swollen and sore even though she hadn't shed too many tears the previous day, of which she was rather proud.  Trying hard, she forced them open and noticed they didn't focus immediately on the objects around her.
When she finally managed to gain control, she gasped.  She wasn't in the room in which she'd fallen asleep.  Now she was in a bed, a large bed, firm beneath her, and soft sheets covering her.  There were curtains surrounding the bed, which were of a filmy white gauze.
Her eyes quickly scanned the room, and she let out a relieved sigh when she gained the visual proof she seemed to be alone.  
As she moved, she heard a rustle of paper from under where she placed her left hand.  Picking up the paper, she stared, dumbfounded at the words.  "In anticipation of your 'Yes'."
Amazed she read the note again.  Aizen had moved very fast and it seemed her plan was threatened by the speed.  What should she do?  Was everything doomed to fail?
----------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
Autho r's Note
One more chapter and Hollow Charm will be completed.  It may mean the next chapter will be lengthy, or not.  It depends.
I've considered creating a standard delay comment, but am still trying to think of something funny.  Each of my ideas has not been funny enough and it seems more important to work on the stories than the excuses.
Please review.
MS

Converting /tmp/phpiGYjMX to /dev/stdout