#evade extender won't save you now!

[rocketbirdie]

curling stone carapaceon!

[aikaterini-drag]

Chapter 15 Wronged

Warnings (whole series): Violence, Non-Con Abduction, Explicit Sexual Content, Fluff, Enemies to Lovers, Sexual Tension, First Time, Emotional Sex, Protective Bucky, Angst with a Happy Ending, Soft Bucky Barnes, Bucky Barnes Recovering, Barnes Gets all the Love he deserves.

Find more chapters of the "Fading Scars" Series here ♡

Almost a month had passed ever since the team of three began to infiltrate Hydra compounds. Using his experience as the Winter Soldier, Bucky guided Steve and Sam through a series of potential locations. At first, their attempts yielded no results. Five bases had been checked out, each revealing nothing but desolate remains.

But when they arrived at the HYDRA Herefordshire Facility in England, chaos erupted. Armed agents swarmed the vicinity, engaging in fierce combat on all fronts. Steve and James counterattacked from carefully chosen positions on the ground, while Sam fought from the distance, using his wings to fly above his targets. Silas was giving orders to his men from his hiding spot and engineered the perfect distraction: Rumlow.

The Hydra operative came running through a fortified wall, creating an opening with the sheer force of his body.

"Watch out! On your left!"

Sam's voice cut through the battle as Bucky turned to face Rumlow, who was charging straight at him. Bucky changed direction and ran fast down a corridor, but even with his superhuman speed, Rumlow caught up with him. Bucky found himself tackled to the ground, the impact jarring his body. His weapon was flung aside, and when he attempted to retrieve a concealed gun, Rumlow's fist collided with his nose. Strong palms clamped around his throat, Bucky's eyes narrowed, his efforts concentrated on breaking free.

But the Rumlow he was looking at was different, evil and had near-godly strength.

That meant only one thing; he had been injected with the new super soldier serum.

The serum had affected Rumlow. Though the scars on his face had disappeared, his flesh had turned unnaturally brown, too many veins protruding from his skin. With a grunt, Bucky kicked the vulnerable spot beneath his ribs, then propelled him away. Dragging himself up, he rose to his feet, retrieved his firearm, and began to fire.

"Pathetic," Rumlow sneered, skillfully evading Bucky's shots. "I'm beyond your reach now! I'm superior!"

Bucky didn't reply and rained punches, kicks and slaps against Rumlow.

"Where's your pretty girl, Soldier?" Rumlow taunted, evading a sweeping attack with a grin. "Where's your precious Grace? I've missed her."

Well aware that Rumlow was playing with his sentiments, Bucky clenched his teeth and gripped his neck with his metal hand. He forcefully slammed him to the floor and delivered a forceful kick to his abdomen. But he was careless. Rumlow thrust a knife out of his holder. James sensed the weapon a little too late and watched it in slow motion as it headed straight for his head.

"Oh no, you won't!"

Steve's scream resounded as his shield blocked the lethal attack, successfully saving Barnes. Bucky let out a sigh of relief as Cap launched himself at Rumlow with a dive-kick. The enemy lost consciousness, out of strength. Panting, James and Steve drew back and searched around for Sam.

"Sam, where are you?" Steve's voice resonated through the communication device. Most of the Hydra agents had vanished, and a sudden quiet took over.

"I'm holding up," came Sam's voice. "I've got visual on Silas. He's heading northeast, escaping. I need backup!"

Bucky and Steve pumped their legs and followed Sam's instructions, making it closer and closer to Silas. They saw his chopper and what was left of his men when an unexpected opponent lunged at them, coming out of nowhere. The sudden assailant headed straight for Bucky, tackling him backward. James grimaced, disbelief in his eyes. The man attacking him was clad in a black suit, his face hidden beneath a panther-like mask. Lethal claws extended, they pierced through Bucky's vest and scored his flesh, igniting searing pain. 

Poison...

Bucky's vision went fuzzy in the corners, the venomous claws of his opponent sending him into the darkness.

▪️▪️▪️

Bucky blinked as his consciousness grappled with the onslaught of pain. He tried to move, only to realize that his limbs were restrained, secured by unyielding metal clamps. He was sitting in a chair– a cold, metallic contraption. Heavy clamps encircled his chest, hands, and ankles with an iron grip, rendering any movement futile. Blood trickled down his cheeks, from a gash Rumlow had carved into the flesh just inches from his left eye.

Steve and Sam were five feet away, defensive but safe. Two women were keeping them at arm's length. They were fierce-looking and intimidating. Adorned in red tabards embellished with beads, charms, and rugged leather studs, these fierce figures wielded long spears with an air of unwavering confidence.

The enigmatic warrior who had donned the panther suit had discarded his mask, his intense gaze fixed firmly upon James. The dark costume seemed out of place in this confrontation, leaving Bucky pondering the nature of these people. Why the strange suit? What sort of people were they? Were they even human?

"You're awake..." the man in black declared, his thick accent resonating with authority. "I am T'Challa, King of Wakanda and the son of the man you killed in the bombing attack."

"I didn't kill your father," Bucky said feebly, his voice glazed from the sedative.

"Your words are hollow," T'Challa responded, his tone unyielding. "You killed my father. And you shall pay for it."

"I assure you, I did not—"

"Do not deceive yourself or me," T'Challa interjected, his conviction unshakeable. "My father's blood stains your hands, and you shall answer for it!"

"You can't condemn him like that!" Sam said with a surge of frustration. "You've got it all wrong, he's not the one!"

"Then you must prove your innocence," T'Challa said to the accused with a bitter smile.

"Your accusations are misplaced," Bucky breathed out, closing his eyes then reopening them. "I wasn't even in Washington!"

"He possesses spirit, my King," Ayo, one of the women, commented with disapproval. "I like that and I shall enjoy it all the more if you give me the command to break him."

"We can solve this without being so hostile toward each other," Steve said and glared at the spear threatening his best friend. In any other situation, he would have taken his chances and attacked, but with Bucky there, he had to be cautious. "Trust us. Isn't my word enough?"

"I know you, Captain Rogers. But that is not enough."

"I swear on my shield's honor," Steve said. "Can't you at least discuss it peacefully with us?"

"The Black Panther has been a protector of Wakanda for generations. A mantle passed from warrior to warrior. Now because your friend murdered my father, I also wear the mantle of King. So I ask you, as both warrior and king, how can I remain indifferent to my father's death?"

"Let's reason together," Steve said. "We can find a way to uncover the truth without further conflict."

"Barnes orchestrated the explosion that claimed my father's life," T'Challa said, raw pain written in his features.

"Hydra is manipulating you, using your grief—" Steve attempted to interject.

"I don't care," T'Challa said, his voice a reflection of his turmoil.

Bucky lifted his gaze and addressed T'Challa. "Check the camera footage then."

T'Challa frowned. "What?"

"I'll prove my innocence," Bucky said. "The day your father died, I was in Vienna. Check the footage of the town of Hollabrunn. That's where I was at the time of the bombing."

For once, T'Challa looked at the man he was condemning with a look other than hate. Repressing his pain and agony, the King of Wakanda tapped the button on his watch and activated a holographic screen. Using Wakanda's unparalleled technology, the advanced algorithm scrutinized every face captured by the CCTV systems.

The display painted an unexpected truth—James Barnes had indeed been present in Vienna at the time of the bombing, confirmed by the footage from the town of Hollabrunn. And he was not alone. T'Challa witnessed him smiling and walking along the roads, a young woman embracing him fondly. Quite fondly.

A wave of confusion washed over T'Challa. "How can this be..."

Could it be that on his path to revenge, he almost convicted an innocent man?

"I'm sorry for your loss, but I didn't kill your father," Bucky said with determination.

"How do I know that you're not an imposter?" T'Challa said, but this time, he was less hostile toward him.

James let out a harsh sigh. "Seriously?"

"Someone is impersonating him!" Sam supported him. "A simple comparison is enough to prove that the man from Washington is wearing prosthetics and a wig!"

T'Challa's gaze shifted towards his female guards, who appeared to have been convinced by the evidence and said, "Where is the woman from the footage?"

"That's none of your business!" Bucky said, breathing rapidly through his nostrils. He was going through all this hell for Grace to not get hurt. He didn't bring so much pain upon himself only to ruin it.

"The woman's location must remain secret, for her safety," Steve said calmly. "Silas is actively pursuing her, and we can't risk her falling into his hands. Please listen to reason, King T'Challa. Trust us."

With a measured nod, T'Challa instructed his guards to release Barnes, willing to consider their perspective. "Who's Silas?"

Bucky sent him a nod of appreciation and answered, "Silas is the current leader of Hydra, an organization created to rule the world. Both the girl you saw in the footage and I are his targets. He's the one who set off the explosion and framed me."

"But why? What motive drove him to such an act?" T'Challa asked, his previous rage completely bleeding away.

"Because I refused to surrender and escaped with the girl."

"I... I... almost killed an innocent person..." T'Challa was struggling to come to terms with his incompetence and how he had been deceived. He wanted to apologize, but the man he had accused spoke up.

"It's alright," Bucky said. "You were misled. Work with us and I'll forget what happened today."

T'Challa nodded with a readiness to forge an alliance. "Your compassion is appreciated. I will help you in any way I can to redeem myself. Let's bring Silas down."

[yujo-nishimura]

"Told you so..." - Part 4

This is a private ongoing fic just for me and @lostfirefly

Since tumblr doesn't let me post it privately I need to share it publicly, but feel free to scroll through the content, since this is just for our own amusement. ;) - Also I finally have a hashtag!

"I need a break!" Buggy gasped, finally reaching the staircase that led further down. He had carried his girlfriend the entire way through the sandy terrain, past the starving prisoners who were barely clinging to their lifes. Buggys long blue ponytail was hanging in his face, sweat glistening on his neck and nose. It had been eerily quiet for some time, too quiet.

Helga released herself from Buggy's embrace and planted a quick kiss on his cheek, causing his face to flush an even deeper shade of red. "Thank you so much, my love. I know it wasn't easy for you."

Motivated by her words, Buggy chuckled. "No problem at all. Your admiration made it all worthwhile. But don't think I'll carry you again through this if we have to come back and can't escape down there!"

"Forget about it, I know you'll carry me again!" Helga smiled, fully aware of her ability to wrap her captain and boyfriend around her finger.

"Next is Level 4, the Blazing Hell, I believe," Helga pondered aloud, while Buggy struggled to catch his breath.

Suddenly, both of them heard a noise behind them—a thunderous stomping sound. It was likely more monstrous creatures approaching. Helga was the first to spot them—a peculiar-looking Koala and a Minotaurus wielding a weapon like morning star.

"Damn it, they found us!" she exclaimed, and Buggy swiftly turned around, assessing the situation.

"Should we run or fight?" he asked, knowing that Helga had a better sense of danger in such situations.

"Run, I suppose!" She couldn't finish her sentence, as the beastly Minotaurus swung its morning star, attempting to deliver a deadly blow. Buggy, trying to protect his girlfriend, leaped towards her, pushing her out of harm's way and evading the attack. They both landed in the scorching sand, with Buggy inadvertently ending up on top of Helga, who blushed beneath him.

"Thank you, I guess. I wish you could stay..." she chuckled, and he immediately scrambled to his feet, his face turning red as well.

"You decided to run, and you're right. Let's go. We can have our romantic moments later!" he quickly helped her up, just as the Minotaurus raised its morning star again, poised for another attack.

"I won't let you harm her, you beast!" Buggy yelled, extending his leg to launch a Muggy ball at the creature. The resulting explosion and smoke provided them with the opportunity to escape. Helga didn't look back to see if their attack had been successful; she simply started running, hoping Buggy would follow suit. Hearing his panting breaths behind her, she knew he was right on her heels as they descended the stairs.

"We're lucky they only sent those two!" she shouted, unaware of what awaited them on the next level.

The staircase stretched on endlessly, but neither of them thought about stopping or turning back. They forged ahead, running deeper into the prison's depths. The heat intensified, becoming increasingly unbearable. After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at Level 4, the Blazing Hell. Helga abruptly halted, causing Buggy to nearly crash into her as they reached the entrance to the next level, greeted by a searing wave of heat. They saw prisoners being herded across bridges, forced into labor without shoes, their feet likely scorched by the scalding ground. 

"This is awful...!" Helga whispered, her voice filled with sorrow. Buggy gently placed his hand on her shoulder, offering a comforting touch. "I know, but right now, there's nothing we can do. We have to focus on saving ourselves," he reassured her. She nodded, giving his hand on her shoulder a tender squeeze. She was immensely grateful to have him by her side. "Come on, cutie pie. Let's move forward, but we need to be cautious. This level has more guards stationed than the ones above," he advised, nodding at her in determination.  "I can't wait to receive all my rewards from you later!" he added, a mischievous grin adorning his face. Helga couldn't help but chuckle, appreciating his ability to bring a smile to her face even in the midst of such a dire situation.

In the depths of Level 5, sitting in a grim and desolate cell Yujo was desperate, her hunger gnawing at her stomach. She sat on the cold ground, her messy dark blond hair falling into her face. Exhausted and starving, she was too weak to even shed a tear. Seeking solace, she positioned herself as far away from Crocodile as possible. His recent assault had filled her with fear, and she dreaded falling asleep. Her stomach growled once again, and she let out a silent sigh, feeling utterly defeated.

Suddenly, a soft sound caught her attention. Something had fallen beside her. Surprised, she glanced to her right and noticed a half piece of bread lying on the ground. "Your stomach is almost as annoying as you..!" she heard Crocodile mumble. He must have thrown the bread to her. Without hesitation, she grabbed it and devoured it, desperate to quell her hunger. She didn't utter a word of gratitude, though she felt a sense of thankfulness. Without concern for manners, she licked her fingers, savoring the leftovers of the bread crumbs. This was the best meal she had in years. 

Silence enveloped them once again, and time passed until a warden arrived, carrying trays of food. Yujo's face lit up with anticipation, realizing it was dinner time, or perhaps breakfast time—time held no significance in the darkness of Impel Down. The warden approached their cell, his footsteps echoing on the stone floor. He opened a small gap in the bottom of the cell bars and pushed in two trays.

Determined not to miss her chance this time, Yujo rushed forward to grab the trays, seeking revenge for her earlier missed meal. However, her anticipation turned to shock and disbelief as she discovered the same empty bowls and only filled water glasses from before. "What...? Did they forget our meal?" she murmured, inspecting the bowls to ensure there was no hidden food beneath them.

"No. They only feed us here once a week. Those bowls are just brought to mock us," Crocodile's voice emerged from the dark corner, and Yujo cautiously turned around, noticing his massive figure leaning against the stone wall. "But the bread earlier..." she began, a dreadful realization washing over her. "My ration from last week," he replied shortly, a smile playing on his lips. "Why, you bastard? I thought you had eaten my food, and now you... gave me your ration? I don't want to owe you anything!" Yujo screamed in despair, realizing that he had sacrificed his last meal for her. "You're so emotional and dramatic, Missy. You probably need the food more than I do!" he laughed, leaning back against the wall and closing his eyes. For a moment, he appeared vulnerable, worn out and tired.

Carefully, Yujo approached him, holding the two water glasses, and extended them towards him. "Then please, have these. I drank yours earlier." He reached for one glass and took small sips, holding it in his hand. Yujo sat down next to him, his towering form providing a sense of security. In silence, they both drank their water, awaiting whatever would come next.

[shi-daisy]

Black Moon Rising Pt. 2

Welcome back everyone! Here's part 2 of this lil' AU fic. It was gonna be longer but I already went pass the deadline for like 40 min. So I'll just continue it in the final prompt it the week. Hope you like!

@ulquihimeweek

Ulquihime Week- Day 6- Sacrifice/Possession

Black Moon Rising (Pt.2)

"Inoue, what have you done?!" Ichigo asked in disbelief.

"I did what I had to. Ulquiorra was going to die, and I saved him. That's all that matters."

"All that matters?! Have you looked at yourself?! You're a hollow now!"

"And so were you."

Ichigo looked hurt, but she didn't care. Back at Karakura, she had the same expression whenever they pushed her out of the fight. This time the tables were turned.

"That's not the same, and you know it."

"Is it now? Because if I recall correctly you brutalized Ulquiorra in ways far more horrifying than any of us could imagine, you tried to desecrate his body, you stabbed Ishida-kun when he stopped you, and you were about to kill me before Ulquiorra broke your mask and redirected the cero onto himself.

That's quite different from holding a conversation like we are doing now." She smiled venomously. This change seemed to be bringing out all of the negative emotions that she kept hidden for years. It was relishing.

"I went into that form to protect you! You called for help, I couldn't do anything so my hollow took over."

Orihime rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, you're everyone's hero!" she sarcastically imitated her old self. "Spare me Ichigo, you didn't go into your hollow form to protect us, you did it because you lost, and you can't endure a loss!"

That got a rise out of the redhead, Uryu held him back. "Inoue, we all came here to save you! What happened wasn't ideal, but Kurosaki was just trying to help."

"Funny how you defend him after almost getting cut open, Ishida-kun.

I didn't ask anyone to come for me, the sole reason I came to Hueco Mundo was to protect everyone! But you couldn't understand that, could you? Inoue's the defenseless princess in the tower, so she must be rescued! We need to step into enemy territory without a plan, and fight everything in a ten-mile radius to save Inoue!

Well, that's done. We've all had our fights and your brushes with death, but I am finally safe. I won't return to Karakura, this form is now permanent, and I have no doubts that the shinigami will have me executed. The Orihime Inoue you knew is gone forever. Leave, tell the others I am dead, and don't return to Hueco Mundo. I won't ask nicely again."

Ichigo's anger was redirected at Ulquiorra. "You! You did this to Inoue!"

"I'm afraid you're mistaken Kurosaki. This transformation was the woman's choice, not mine. Unlike you, I believe she's wise enough to choose what's best for herself."

The shinigami prepared to attack him, but instead of clashing his blade with Ulquiorra's he was stopped by Orihime.

Upon transforming, she'd also gained a zanpakuto, her Rikka's powers had been transferred into it, and the shape of the hilt matched that of her hairpins.

“Don’t you dare touch him!” she growled.

“I’m not going to let darkness take you, Orihime. I’ll defeat whatever took possession of you and we’ll all go back home together.”

“You don’t get to decide for me. Not anymore.” From the moment she woke up, Orihime felt a shift taking place within her. Her body and soul had both changed, and this final disregard for her desires was the final nail in the coffin.’ All anyone ever saw me as was the damsel in distress, not even capable of choosing my own fate. Those days are now over.’

“Woman, do you require my assistance?”Ulquiorra asked her.

She smiled at him. “I shall fight alone, If it’s not too much trouble, could you please take Ishida-kun somewhere safe? I don’t intend to hold back.”

“Understood.”

She teleported both herself and Ichigo away from the scene. The shinigami looked ready to fight, but the moment she attacked he restored to blocking. Ichigo didn’t attack her.

‘The moron still thinks I can’t fight.’

Her eyes darkened, now gold over onyx, Orihime charged a cero into her sword. One strike of her blade all it took to break Ichigo’s zanpakuto.

“You’re out of weapons Kurosaki. I’ll let you go if you swear to leave me be.”

Instead of retreating Ichigo stood his ground. “I won’t leave you.I swore to bring you back home safe, and that’s what I’ll do!"

“You really can’t take a fucking hint, can you?!"

She raised her palm towards him, firing a golden cero. Ichigo tried to evade it, but without his Bankai, he was not fast enough. Ichigo kneeled, half of his body was bloody and mangled due to the blast, but he could survive those injuries.

“Last warning. Surrender or I will detach your head from your body.”

“I won’t! I won’t let Ulquiorra get away with what he did to you! I will save you even if I have to kill him again!"

Orihime would have just rendered him unconscious, had it not been for the threat he made against Ulquiorra, Orihime looked him in the eye directly, her gaze was steel and it seemed like in his final moments Ichigo finally understood she did this out of her own accord. Sadly, it was too late, A delicate strike of her blade cut through him, his eyes remained opened, full of realization, but also lifeless.

Orihime cleaned the blood off her sword with one stroke. ‘At long last, It’s over.’

***

There were many outcomes he had expected from the battle, seeing Orihime return to las Noches with the head of Kurosaki Ichigo was not one of them. Soon after arriving she had fainted and he took her to his room and had one of the medics look at her.

As predicted, Orihime woke up a day later. Her wounds were fully healed, and she was happy to see him as well. 

“What happened after the battle?” she asked.

"Lord Aizen has won. He's the new Soul King, but I'm afraid your old town has been destroyed."

She looked sad, but didn't weep. "I see."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. This was bound to happen."

"If you feel rested enough, we were summoned to the throne room. It's urgent."

"Okay. Let's go."

The walk to the throne room was silent, yet pleasant. Orihime held his hand, and he returned the gesture. It seemed she was fond of the gesture.

Before coming into the throne room he ran into the medic that examined Orihime.

"Hello Cuarta, I see Inoue-sama is healthy." The blue haired woman extended her hand to Orihime. "Nice to meet you, my name's Jeanne Dae, I was your medic."

"Nice to meet you too, Jeanne-san. Thanks for taking care of me."

"My pleasure, I must warn you both, Lady Anna has asked for you specifically and she's slightly stressed. Best not to piss her off."

"Um, I hate to come of as ignorant but who is Anna?"

"Lord Aizen's wife. She's his second in command now and also Soul Queen. Just be polite and you'll be fine. Best of luck!"

Once the medic Arrancar left, they stepped into the throne room. He was surprised to see Halibel and her fracción there resting. Nnoitra was also there talking to Anna. She looked to be angry.

"Nnoitra, I swear, if keep pestering me I shall rip out your remaining eyeball and make you eat it!"

That made the whole room grow silent.

Orihime was slightly intimidated. Anna was six feet tall, with pale skin, black curly hair, and cold blue eyes. Those worries subsided when the woman spotted both her and Ulquiorra.

"Cuarta! You're still as handsome as ever! And you must be Orihime Inoue. I'm Anna María, it's nice to finally meet ya."

"Hello Lady Anna, it's nice to meet you too."

"I'll be quick since I'm sure you both want to rest. Now that Sosuke has finally achieved his goals we won't be returning to Las Noches. I want the both of you to rule over Hueco Mundo."

They were both surprised. Ulquiorra spoke first. "With all due respect, why would you chose us out of the remaining Arrancar?"

"Simple. You and Inoue-san were the ones who finally took down Kurosaki. He was Soul Society's triumph card and I'm certain that if he had lived the outcome of our plans would've changed. The two of you are the most powerful among our ranks and took down our greatest foe. It's only natural to have you take over. What do you say?"

Orihime felt a little uncertain, she had never taken a leadership role before, but the offer was tempting.

Ulquiorra was indifferent to the offer, still he would accept if only to keep order in Las Noches. Without Aizen some of the Arrancar might go unhinged again.

"I'm willing to accept the offer, but I'd like insurance that you, or Lord Aizen will provide us with assistance if necessary."

"You have my word, Cuarta. Inoue-san, what about you?"

"I never considered myself a leader, yet this is an opportunity I don't want to waste. I'll give it my all."

"Excellent! I knew I could count on you both. Now, there's a slightly more personal matter I must address.

Some of your friends for Karakura survived, I can relocate then to Naruki City and give them fake memories of a nuclear explosion occuring in Karakura. This way they'll safe and fully taken care of. Is that alright."

Anna handed her a tablet with pictures. She recognized Tatsuki, Keigo, Mizuiro, Chizuru, Michiru, Ryuuken, and Don Kannonji. Those were the only survivors.

"Yes. Please make sure they're taken care of, just...don't let them know I am alive. I'd prefer it if they all thought of me as dead."

"Consider it done. Finally, Yasutora Sado and Uryu Ishida are locked up in the dungeons, if you authorize it, I shall free them and get them the aforementioned services in Naruki City."

"Yes please do so."

"Alrighty then, I think that's everything. I'll be returning to my other duties, you're dismissed."

With that the tall woman left them and went back to her duties. Ulquiorra noticed she was holding her zanpakuto. 'No doubt she's been ordered to carry out executions.'

"Next on the list it's that Kuchiki Captain...Hmm maybe I'll choke him with that dumb scarf of his." Anna was walking away towards the cells. A reckless idea crossed Orihime's mind.

"Wait Anna-san! May I be granted permission to visit Ishida and Sado?"

Anna was skeptical but allowed it anyway. "Yes, of course. I'll escort you."

***

Ulquiorra waited in the entrance to the dungeons. He knew Inoue was capable of handling herself yet he felt uneasy.

"You're jealous the princesa wants to visit those other men."

Grimmjow appeared from the shadows, it seemed Anna had him as a guard.

"What do you want Sexta?" he asked.

"Nothing. Just heard you and Orihime are the new rulers of Hueco Mundo. I'd congratulate ya but I don't think you find that new role appealing."

"That's unimportant. I took the task because it clear that the others wouldn't be able to properly carry it out."

Grimmjow grinned. "Uh-huh, and what about your mate? She probably did it so that Anna wouldn't chop her human friends to pieces."

Those words bothered him. "The woman isn't my mate."

"She turned into a hollow to save ya, and even ripped Kurosaki to pieces. That screams protective mate to me.

Yer' right though, it's not my business what you two do. Just pray she doesn't change her mind. The girl is too far gone to go back."

***

Orihime let them rage and yell before saying a single thing. After their anger faded she spoke.

"I need you both to stay calm. Ishida-kun your father is alive and will be given proper housing and employment in Naruki City as will most of your friends and as will you. Just let Anna escort you there and do not tell the others of my real fate. For all they know, Kurosaki and I were victims of the fake accident."

"...I don't believe this! You expect us to keep quiet?! Tatsuki was a wreck over losing you, she won't accept it, she'll know it's a lie!"

"Then make her believe it! You're a smart guy Uryu, she will listen to you, the memories are better than..."

"Than knowing what you turned into and what you did to Kurosaki?" Chad asked.

Orihime hit the wall in frustration, it almost fell apart. "He threatened to kill Ulquiorra!" she yelled. "I wasn't going to kill him, I was going to leave him slightly messed up and let him go home when the war ended, but he threatened Ulquiorra. I couldn't let him kill him again. I just... couldn't."

Her friends demeanor changed to a more sympathetic one. "You love him, don't you?"

She couldn't answer. That possibility didn't cross her mind until now. Her silence was all the answer they needed.

"Kurosaki is doing alright. His soul went to the Soul Society and is reunited with his family, Anna made sure of it. She also brought Masaki to them, the Kurosaki's be living in the Shiba house."

"It's true. She came to tell us that before bringing you here."

"I see." In a way she felt freed. While there was no guilt for what she did, knowing Ichigo was well off somehow helped her close that cycle.

"I know you won't forgive me, I won't ask for that, but I will ask you, to have a good life. Take care of the others, follow your dreams and live long and happy. I will do the same, even if we are in separate world's. Just do that in the memory of the Inoue you once loved."

"I promise."

"I promise too"

Both Chad and Uryu gave her a tight hug. This would be the last time they saw eachother.

"Goodbye."

***

He didn't say anything. Not on their way back to the room, and not when he locked himself in the washroom.

Orihime knew something was amiss. Ulquiorra looked tense, angry even. She decided to speak with him.

'What am I doing? This isn't right. I'm acting just like Kurosaki did.'

Ulquiorra had ran himself a hot bath in an effort to calm down. As much as he dreaded to admit it he was enraged by Grimmjow's words. When Orihime returned from her talk with the humans, she had tears running down her face and a faint sad smile.

'She's regretting it. She regrets giving up her life for me. That was a sacrifice that should've never taken place.'

Still, it was wrong of him to act so cold towards her. Instead he should offer her solace. 'I'm all she had left.'

Before he could get out of the marble pool and go back into his room, he saw her standing in the doorway. "Can I join you?" she asked shyly.

Ulquiorra swallowed hard. Orihime had nothing but a towel on, and her pretty face was adorned with a faint pink blush.

"Yes, you may join me." He finally answered with a raspy voice.

He turned away as she uncovered herself, only facing her once she was covered up to her chest by water. Even so, her curves didn't leave anything to the imagination.

"Ulquiorra. We need to talk."

"What do you wish to talk about?"

"What happened down at the dungeons."

He braced himself, and spoke as calmly as possible. "You wish to return to you original form. It's understandable as your sacrifice shouldn't have happened so I shall do what's in my power to help you-"

Orihime placed her fingers on his lips, silencing him. It was then when he felt tears forming in his eyes

Orihime chuckled. "No, you're mistaken. I don't want to go back and I don't regret what I did.

Ulquiorra, I didn't hesitate to sacrifice my humanity for you. I knew what the consequences would be and didn't care. You matter more to me than anything or anyone else, and I don't ever want you to doubt that. I want to be with you forever, Ulquiorra Schiffer."

He felt the tears spilling. Never in his life did he think he could find anyone that would truly love him, yet here she was. From the moment they met he felt drawn. It was as if an otherworldly force took possession of him, and urged him to keep her at his side. Yet when Kurosaki almost killed her, he didn't hesitate to sacrifice himself for her. Now she had done the same for him, and they could be together for all eternity.

"Forgive me for my embarrassing behavior. I shouldn't have doubted you.

I shall confess that I didn't care for much before meeting you, my life was nothing but a dark endless void, until you filled it with light. Your optimistic nature, your melodic voice, your bravery, it is all very enticing. I thought our story would end when Kurosaki turned me into ash, yet it didn't.

You wouldn't let us have a bitter end, regardless of the cost. And I vow to prove your sacrifice to be worth it, every single day."

Orihime smiled wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him close. "It's a promise, my dear Ulquiorra."

She crashed their lips together into a lustful kiss. Ulquiorra had never considered himself to be a lustful man, until that moment. He wanted nothing more than to ravish Orihime until they were both exhausted.

"Let's go back to our room, darling. There's a lot I want to do with you."

[browneyedbeauty03]

Dirty Little Bird

A ribbon of moonlight cascaded through the half parted curtains, bathing her in its silvery glow. Her honey chestnut hair pooled in luscious curls atop the plush pillow where she lay sleeping - dreaming. The horrid nightmare that awaited her the following day did not allow for much rest. She was to be married to King Joffrey, the hellish boy that had been ripped from the seventh circle of hell and lovingly planted in his wretched Mother’s womb. 

In her dreams, Joffrey trussed her up naked and used her for target practice. In her dreams, he always arrived to save her when it was already too late. 

The Hound always came running when he heard her scream. 

She woke abruptly, a cry gurgling in her throat as she shot up in her bed. The willowy canopy around her fluttered with the breeze of the open window, indistinguishable shadows intensifying her growing sense of dread. The door to her room burst open without warning, followed by the thudding of boots and hushed clatter of armor. 

“Everything alright, little bird?” 

Her heartbeat seemed to steady ever so slightly, and she hurriedly brushed stray strands of dampened hair from her colorless face. Her nighttime gown had shifted, exposing her prominent collarbones along with the ripe tops of her ample breasts. The Hound parted the glimmering panel that obscured her resting place, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of trouble. 

Willa opened her mouth to assure her faithful guard that everything was fine, that it was only her dreams of the future that plagued her so, yet no sound would emerge. Silent tears streamed down the milky apples of her cheeks, coating her neck in the stream of sorrow. His face, illuminated by the gray moon, never ceased to shock the lady, no matter how much comfort the rough man brought. She could clearly see the the scars where the fire had licked his skin and stolen his innocence - the left side of his intimidating mug branded by the evil of his brother.

How handsome he would have been had tragedy not struck him with its unforgiving, iron fist. 

Willa blushed heartily at the intrusive thought, casting her gaze downward as The Hound inspected her sudden change in demeanor. His greedy eyes could not help but hungrily drink in her creamy, exposed flesh. She was beautiful - the type of untouchable, fair maiden that inspired wistful songs, strung up in the stars by a golden needle of longing. 

“I’m scared of him, Sandor,” Willa finally whispered, unable to meet his penetrating stare. She had never called him by his first name, before. But, it was hard to see him as a dog when he was all that stood between her and Joffrey’s malice. 

The Hound did not not know what to say. He often found himself immersed in a perpetual state of rage, but the thought of Joffrey Lannister splitting young Willa down the middle and imbedding his poisoned seed in her womb filled him with a fire so hateful that it could burn all of Kings Landing to ashes.   

“Afraid he’ll break you in rough, huh?” The Hound gruffly spat in disgust, casting his stare aside as he attempted to build back the hateful barrier that had crumbled in a hazy moment of pity. 

If all you felt for her was pity, it wouldn’t be so hard for you to keep your dirty eyes off of her, huh Clegane? 

Willa was horrified by the words that had so carelessly toppled from The Hound’s mouth. Lude visuals of her wedding night raided her mind, and she could not control the way her body shook as she sobbed into the feathery mound of her pillow. Clegane shifted uncomfortably where he stood - crying women made him uneasy. Hell, any expression of emotion made the brute uncomfortable. 

“I’m afraid he’s going to kill me,” Willa whispered, somber. She wondered if Joffrey’s cruelty extended beyond the heinous rumors, or if he was as bad as Ramsay Snow that she had often heard tale of. 

The Hound gathered a embroidered handkerchief from Willa’s nightstand, admiring her house sigil, woven into the fabric with emerald green thread. A sparrow. Carefully, the man crouched over in order to give the dainty material to her, but she just stared at him woefully from underneath the thick fan of her eyelashes. With an uncomfortable cough, Sandor Clegane pensively brought the handkerchief to Willa’s dampened cheek, dabbing sporadically at the flushed flesh in an incredibly awkward, yet gentle manner. Air evaded Willa’s lungs the moment his gloved hand touched her. She had never seen such tenderness out of the man, and she supposed it had something to do with the cloak of darkness. 

When The Hound moved to pull away, Willa surprised herself by reaching up in order to keep him in place. The untimed sound of their frantic heartbeats was deafening, and every instinct in the man’s body urged him to bolt from the room - to save himself while he still had the chance. He didn’t need the trouble that came with carrying about a lady, especially not the lady of the childish, cruel King. 

He doesn’t care about her. She’s just a thing. His pretty little plaything. 

“I beg your pardon, Ser,” Willa whispered, her voice so low that it could have been mistaken for the faint howling of the wind. 

“Ser? I’m no Ser,” The Hound rasped with a smirk. Kings, Princes, Knights - they were all just facades, titles to hide behind so the wicked could indulge in their wicked ways. 

“Yes,” Willa agreed, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Yet, you’ve saved me all the same.” 

Willa had been terrified of The Hound, at first. His scarred complexion had ignited a profound trepidation within the young lady, and she had been unable to even meet his eyes for the longest time. However, the day came when Willa had been caught in an angry, starving mob intent on killing her betrothed. She had been dragged away by a pack of grimy men into an empty stable, and held down while one of them parted her struggling, flailing legs with his filthy hands. She’d felt the heat of his sinful intentions against her snowy, untouched thighs, and wished for death. Willa had accepted her doom, but Sandor Clegane had somehow heard her muffled screams. He had burst through the rickety door and rained hellfire down on each one of her attackers. She recalled the satisfied glimmer in his eye when he gutted the one who had been between her legs, the way his intestines had pooled at the toe of The Hound’s mighty boots. 

The Hound had lifted Willa over his broad shoulder and carried her to safety. 

You’re alright now, little bird. 

“I could take you home,” Clegane said. “Back to Winterfell - away from the King, away from - “ 

“Joffrey would have us killed.” 

The Hound remained silent. He wasn’t scared of the King, or anyone. But, why would the lovely maiden, Willa desire a life on the run with someone as hideous, as damaged as he?

"He'll just breed you like a bitch in heat," Sandor finally rasped. "And, I can't very well protect you past the doors of his bedchambers." 

Willa felt sluggish with sadness and a tiredness that had crept into her soul. Her eyelids were heavy, the eerie sound of a wolf balefully howling at the moon somehow sewing her near dreamlike state together with reality. Her dainty little hand traced over Sandor's bone white knuckles, clenched in rage due to a situation that seemed to be out of his hands.

"Birds aren't meant to be caged," Willa whispered, rising to her knees in order to inch closer to a man that the rest of the world could only see as a hateful thing. 

The Hound grew rigid with trepidation, only able to emit a slight grunt of disbelief when Willa's fingertips met the side of his face left unscarred. She traced his plush lips, jaw falling slack as rapid breaths rolled off of her tongue. A fluidity of heat pooled between her parted thighs, and a rose flush stained her cheeks as she leaned forward to shyly brush her nose against his. 

The innocent gesture snapped Sandor back to reality, and his calloused hand lurched upward in order to clench Willa's jaw between his fingers in an act of unintentional and unnecessary roughness. The action brought tears to Willa's eyes, emotion stinging her nose and forcing her to curl it in a girlish manner. 

Their eyes collided, The Hound at a complete loss for words as he watched tears roll down his little bird's creamy skin. 

"Don't you want me?" She finally asked, in a voice so quiet, so meek that he wasn't sure if he heard her correctly.

The man scoffed, relaxing his hold on her face in order to cradle it more gently. "It's in a dog's nature to chase after something as sweet as you." 

His suggestive words made Willa whimper, the sound falling onto Sandor's tongue as she feebly brushed her lips against his.

"I won't be able to control myself if you keep that up," The Hound grumbled, massive hands kneading at Willa's barely swaying hips. The tip of his tongue flicked against her own, and she moaned when she felt the sensation between her legs, as well. 

"I don't want you to control yourself. I want you to breed me before he has the chance to." 

" Fucks sake," Sandor rasped, tossing Willa onto her back before staggering to his feet. She bounced a couple times before her form settled into the mattress, soft dark curls framing her visibly pouting face. 

Such nasty words out of such a sweet, precious creature. 

"You're not used to being told no, are ya?" Clegane sighed, stepping out of his armor and crawling back onto the bed like a predator hunting its prey.

Willa soundlessly shook her head, biting down on her lower lip when The Hound finally pinned her onto her back, wrists trussed together above her head by one of his hands.

She could feel his hard erection through his underclothes, and she inched her tiny feet upward in order to pull the fabric from the wide girth of his hips. The Hound groaned,rutting his rock hard erection forward in order to rub up and down her throbbing, dripping wet slit.

Willa felt a seeping  burst of liquid against her clit, hot and delightful, yet nothing compared to what was to come. Without warning, The Hound pushed his entire length into her untouched cunt, her creamily painted walls instantly clenching around him as she moaned his given name so loud that he clasped his heated palm over her pretty,plump lips that were parted in a mixture of pain and pleasure.

He continued to pump in and out, the headboard clattering against the wall as his thrusts continuously became more powerful, cock audibly slipping in and out of Willa's tight, sloppy wetness. 

She lifted her legs in order to rest the balls of her feet atop his enormous shoulders as he rose upwards. He could feel his balls tightening with the urge to release his seed, unable to contain his wildness as he watched the King's betrothed open up like a flower for him. 

"Fuck your baby into me," Willa moaned, rubbing her swollen bud as she arched up farther into The Hound.

Her dirty words sent him over the edge, hot cum spilling from his cock and into her gushing pussy. At the overwhelming sensation of fullness, Willa practically exploded with an orgasm, various cum hungry phrases tumbling from her presumably innocent lips. 

The Hound looked down on her in awed astonishment, chuckling in disbelief. "Just where did a lady such as yourself learn to talk like that." 

Willa stared upwards at her faithful guard through her batting eyelashes, a red stain of arousal painting her heaving breasts and chest. 

The Hound didn't need an answer. In truth, he loved chasing after her wicked innocence and mystery.

"Maybe, you're just my dirty little bird, afterall."