Chapter Text
The light tapping of footsteps echoed through Hueco Mundo. Approaching the throne room, Tousen carried an array of items, including a used syringe and an empty tray. Aizen was sitting on his throne reading something, setting it aside when he noticed Tousen.
“How is he?”
“Better.” Tousen tossed the syringe away. “We may not have the same resources as Squad Four, but we managed.” He handed the tray to Wonderweiss to have it dealt with. “However, I did have to sedate him as Ulquiorra restrained him.” Shaking his head, Tousen folded his arms. “For someone so sickly, I’m surprised he’s so stubborn.”
“With his training, I’m not surprised. The head captain isn’t soft and he’s one half of the original set.”
“So I’ve heard.”
Pacing around the room, Tousen checked on a few reports. What was being done with Luppi’s remains, how the Gillians were doing, and Grimmjow’s recovery were all things that were being logged.
“Though I must admit, I’m curious.” Tousen admitted. “Of all the captains you could have captured, why him? Given his history, I doubt he’d want to help our cause. Especially if he finds out about Kaien’s fate in relation to Aaroniero.”
“I can understand your reservations. Bringing him of all people here is pretty unusual.” Aizen leaned forward. “His role will be paramount, even if I’m not looking to recruit him. Consider him… a test subject. A guinea pig if you will.”
“What do you mean?”
Aizen stood up, stretching his legs as he moved around the room. “Let’s just say, he’s a key component of my research. A little secret that could be exploited in the right hands if manipulated properly. And unlike Orihime, I require first hand experience. Experience that I don’t trust anyone else to monitor.”
“Understood. Speaking of, are you sure you want her out and about?”
“She’s monitored. Besides,” Aizen stood by a window, “even if she somehow managed to get away from her chaperone, she has no where to go.”
~
How she managed to stray away from Starrk was a stroke of luck. Though she probably wouldn’t get far, nor would she know where to go, it was a relief to have a moment to herself. For now, she wouldn’t take it for granted as she enjoy the temporary space and curiously explored the area.
So far, she hadn’t discovered much. Or, rather, not much she could say intrigued her. The silence was eerily suffocating. The dark, monotoned halls, hypnotizing.
Yet, something drew her deeper into Los Noches. A buzzing echo in the air and a sickly aura called out to her. Following it brought her to a room guarded by an Arrancar. The sound of muffled coughing seeped through the door as she hid behind a pillar to investigate.
Once the coughing ceased, the door opened. Ulquiorra emerged, red blotches on his coat. He shook his head with an annoyed sigh.
“The room will need to be cleaned as I get our guest in a more presentable state for Lord Aizen.” Ulquiorra stated. “I’ll be back shortly with a cleaning crew and a change of clothes. Make sure no one enters or leaves this room until I get back.”
“Understood.” The guarding Arrancar stiffly replied.
Ulquiorra nodded, silently excused himself, walking down the opposing hallway that Orihime was in. Once he was out of sight, she felt a sense of grim curiosity, wondering who was hidden in that room. Especially since they were visited by Ulquiorra personally and required surveillance.
“What are you doing here? This area is off limits.”
Orihime jumped, realizing she had been spotted by the guard. “Oh, I, uh, got lost.”
“I see.” The guard approached her. “Then allow me to help you.”
Not wanting to leave just yet, she stepped back. An awkward chuckle escaped as she continued to focus on the door.
“Um… actually…”
Another muffled cough distracted both of them. The guard grumbled something under his breath. A subtle curse as the coughing quickly subsided.
“I know I’m not supposed to let anyone see the prisoner, but do you think you can do something about this? It’s so annoying and I doubt Master Aizen wants this to continue.”
Orihime nodded. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“Good.” The guard paused, scanning the area. “I can let you in. But not for long. Assuming nothing distracts him, it’ll probably take Ulquiorra ten minutes to gather who and what he needs to work on the prisoner. I can give you five minutes. Six if we’re lucky.”
“Understood.”
Nodding, the guard approached the door and unlocked it. Slowly, and as silently as possible, he opened the door, tilting his head to signal the coast was clear. Accepting the invitation, Orihime quietly shuffled into the room.
Once she was in, the guard closed the door. Before identifying the prisoner, Orihime inspected the room. Polished wood floors were stained with blood droplets. Long strains of pale hair snaked and circled on the ground as white fabric loosely blanketed spots on the floor.
“Ori… hime?”
Orihime shuttered, not expecting to hear her name. Focusing on the imprisoned occupant, brown eyes widened. Hunched over and weakly clinging to a bed for support, green eyes frantically scanned Orihime.
“Captain Ukitake?!”