Aizen stood in his throne room waiting for Ulquiorra to return. He was sure he knew as well as he did that Kita was exchanged for yet another clone. However, it was not a clone of their doing. She was the making of Toshiro when he encased the third Kita clone in ice. How Toshiro was able to do this was beyond him, but he was not about to let the clone created by Toshiro live on in his palace. It was only a matter of time and her light would be extinguished forever.
The moment Ulquiorra stepped into the throne room he could sense the ominous presence of Aizen's thoughts. His leader's expression reflected the black desires of his heart and his posture indicated a physical state of agitation. Though the vaulted ceiling soared above their heads, it was hardly enough room to allow the heavy emotions to spread evenly over the confined space. Turing to the entering footsteps of his fourth espada Aizen looked on at Ulquiorra.
“You are aware, correct?”
Ulquiorra flicked his gaze up to Aizen. "My lord, I have no pretense that I know of your plans." He deftly averted his eyes before the more aware being could analyze how much information he was missing.
“You may not know of my plans, but you are well aware of what waits for you in her room.” Aizen stepped toward him. “What will you do with her?”
Ulquiorra was about to speak when Aizen raised his hand to stop him. "Wait," he replied calmly. “I think I might have a better idea for her instead of death.”
He regarded him with cool indifference. A proposal better than death? What could be more rewarding than the eternal sleep offered to the weak? Unable to answer his own questions, Ulquiorra stood poised and ready to receive whatever information Aizen would reveal. Aizen smirked as a soft chuckle emitted from his chest.
“Lock her away in the depths of Las Noches. Lock the doors tight and bring me the key. When the time comes we will put her into play.” Aizen turned from Ulquiorra and walked toward the back of the room. “Toshiro signed the Soul Societies death warrant and doesn't even realize it.” Aizen spoke softly as he disappeared into the adjoining backroom.
With the departure of lord Aizen, the air in the room lifted. There remained but one thing to do: Find Kita. It was imperative to whatever plan Aizen had. Whether it worked or not would no longer become an option. Like a mannequin used to the familiar tugs of its master's nimble fingers, Ulquiorra strode purposefully towards Kita's room. The last words of Aizen echoed in his head and bounced off the sides of his rib cage as he fought to keep the laugher in his body. Toshiro Hitsugaya-- the once fabled captain of squad ten-- would be brought down by nothing more than a few jerks of the master's hand. Ulquiorra's feet found the door of Kita's room before his mind could register. With no more than a twist and a mild thrust, he was in her room.
While setting in her room, Kita, was not aware of what was about to happen. She knew her master had returned back to Las Noches. But he did not come to her room like she figured he would. His presents were delayed.
"Taking audience with Lord Aizen none the less.” Kita thought aloud. Her head then quickly turned when the sound of her door flung open. She was so into thought she did not even realize her Master was as close as he was. She quickly stood and kneeled to one knee lowering her head.
“Master Ulquiorra.”
"Fraccion."
The light from the hallway cast dark shadows across Kita's face and distorted the shadows playing in her hair. "Your duties have changed."
She looked up with something akin to fear- or was that relief? Either way it was not his duty to habitually analyze irrelevant information. He stepped back and watched her rise with cold eyes. The mirth from his walk had ebbed and now lay somewhere in the darkened halls, perhaps never to be used again. No matter, laughable situations could always be found behind the decrepit walls of the Seireitei. Ulquiorra crossed the threshold once more and turned his back to begin walking to the next room assignment for Kita. He was confident the new room would not be occupied for long. Oh yes, what Aizen had in mind was of the expedient nature.
"What do you mean they have changed, master Ulquiorra?" Kita asked not following him from the room. "I don't understand. Am I still you're Fracction?"
"Follow, Kita." Ulquiorra's usual mood flowed back to him.
He waited to hear her footsteps, but listened in vain. Turning slowly, he regarded her through a heavy lidded gaze. "I will not repeat myself."
Kita went to move forward but was worried for her life. “But master,” her words more of a plea. She reached out to him, “please don’t lock me away again.”
Mortified that she would think of touching him, let alone pleading with him, sent Ulquiorra into a zero tolerance mode. He slammed the flat of his palm into Kita's face, knowing full well she would not dare go against a direct order. She reeled back in a mixture of anger and hurt. Just as she was about to protest, he robbed her of her consciousness with a quick jab at a pressure point in her neck.
It repelled him to see her like this, but there was no other way to answer her questions. Aizen's secrets were not for him to tell. If nobody complied they were to be removed.
These thoughts were Ulquiorra's only companion as he navigated his way to the next room. Perhaps when he was alone he could laugh about his success.... Yes.
