Author's note:
I wrote this story in highschool which was long ago. I was amazed I found this and decided to type it and post it here. I did not really make any changes to it as I wanted to preserve it the way it is. I haven't written a story since but I do enjoy reading them. In fact, I still like reading Ulquiorra's crossovers from time to time. I hope this inspires others to write more of them which is one of the reasons for posting this. Enough of my rambling, I hope you like it.
A shadowy figure is seen leaping through the rooftop of the small bustling town unnoticed by the people below. It effortlessly maneuvered at subsonic speed. At such speeds it was nothing but a blur, a blur heading straight for the market district. A middle-aged man in a fruit stand is selling fruit to a customer who is tasting the grapes. Both men fail to notice an apple float out the stand to be above them. A lone pale figure wearing a white jacket with coattails, a black sash, and a white hakama stares at the apple with deep penetrating emerald eyes. This world was alien to the figure as it forced it to eat in regular intervals.
I'm forced to scavenge for food just to stay alive, ridiculous.
The lone figure is revealed to be Ulquiorra who closes his eyes as he takes a bite. He disliked the task of scavenging for food as he felt more like an animal. He often thought of refusing to eat anything at all, but he knew it to be unwise. After all, there is always the chance to run into soul reapers. He suddenly disappears and reappears on top of a nearby building.
I'm currently in the human world, but all this time I have not encountered any spirits or hollows for that matter. I succumbed to my wounds, yet I'm still alive. This must be another realm, but that doesn't explain why I can't access Hueco Mundo. It's been several months since then.
Ulquiorra is snapped out of his deep thoughts as he hears a child crying below. Now focusing his attention to a mother comforting her son who is crying he watches as she calms him down. He watches as she cleans his tears with a handkerchief. He did not understand why the child cried in the first place as he quickly stopped after his mother comforted him. It was utterly pointless in his eyes.
Humans pique my interest, ever since that woman showed a glimpse of her heart, but…these humans are foolish. Some are trash, others intriguing… Ulquiorra drops the now eaten apple and watches it slowly fall.
I suppose I should get going. He sonidos out of view and the apple hits the ground.
Three figures are seen walking down a portal that leads from the monster world to the human world. A beautiful woman with long pink hair tied in a tie that reaches up to her waist and with green eyes is wearing a black dress is the first to be seen. She is accompanied by two children. One is a pretty, young girl who resembles the older woman, but has silver hair and red eyes. She is wearing a white dress with black outlines, black leggings, and black heels. The other is a handsome young boy with brown hair and brown eyes. He is wearing a blue dress shirt with black dress pants and dress shoes. The woman known as Akasha is first to emerge out the portal followed by Moka, and Tsukune. They are now standing on a sunflower field covering the hill. Akasha turns her head to face them and reminds them of what she told them earlier.
"Do you remember what I said, you must stay behind me at all times. Do not stray far from me and no wandering around without me. Especially you, Moka?" Akasha tells them while giving Moka a serious gaze.
Moka meets her gaze with her own and replies, "Yes mother. We understand."
Tsukune looks in bewilderment as Moka quickly agrees with her mother which is usually not the case. Not forgetting about Tsukune, Akasha focuses on him next, but with a gentle look.
"Tsukune, I know we haven't visited here in quite some time and that you want to learn all you can, but you must also stay with us, okay?"
"Yes Akasha-san. Moka and I won't repeat what happened last time." Tsukune answered with a smile. Akasha also returns a smile and beckons them to follow.
"The human world has become less dangerous because there are fewer monsters who come here since separating our linked worlds. However, there is always a chance that we might run into a hostile monster and thus, I will have to act. If that happens, Moka you must protect Tsukune."
"Of course, mother. I won't let anything happen to him." Moka quickly assures her as she reaches and grabs Tsukune's hand.
"Thanks." Tsukune told her as he knew he could always count on her.
"Good, that's what I like to hear. Also, we must hide our true nature from humans." Akasha added as they start to walk through the field.
It didn't take them long to reach the top of the hill. They quickly spotted the small town which was several hundred feet from the hill they stood on. Akasha thought it was the perfect town to take her children as she knew that the town had a population of a mere 1,500. It was a large town when you consider its low residents. They would have an easier time sneaking in without trouble.
"There it is, Nazaki. This town does not have many residents and does not get many travelers. We will have an easier time not being noticed as there are fewer people here than the city." Akasha told them as she looked down at the peaceful town.
"Let's head down there." They all started to walk down the hill when suddenly, Akasha stops walking which causes Tsukune to bump into her.
"Oof! I'm sorry Akasha-san. I didn't notice…."
Akasha did not know what she saw, but she was certain it was someone or something as she saw movement. No longer in sight she focused her senses in the direction it disappeared too. Moka noticing her mother's strange behavior decides to speak out. She does not get the chance to utter a word as Akasha quickly spins around to face them. Moka and Tsukune are surprised at her sudden movement.
"Moka, you and Tsukune stay right here, I can sense a powerful monster not too far from here that is strong enough to be an S class." She rapidly told them with a serious demeanor.
Akasha did not want to leave them, but this individual was too powerful to have them around. She did not want to risk their safety.
"What?" Tsukune blurts out in shock.
Tsukune knew that S class monsters are the strongest monsters, but he never expected them to run into one. Especially one so close to his fellow humans. He could feel himself growing anxious.
"Is that true mother? I don't sense any…" Moka eyes widen as she senses the enormous energy miles away that was distancing itself.
Moka could tell that its power surpassed her own which made her annoyed. It was surprising as she considered herself to be strong for her age.
"I have to go see who it is and if it is a threat, I must take care of it. In the meantime, both of you wait here." Both nodded as she flashes a smile back before disappearing with blinding speed.
"Moka, aren't you worried about your mother?"
"Not really, even if they are an S class, my mother is a dark lord, and besides, she is the strongest dark lord." Moka stated with no tone of concern.
"If you say so." Tsukune worriedly stated as he looked in the direction she headed too.
Ulquiorra arrived at his home, a giant withered bush tree and lays down beneath the branches. It reminded him of his first home which is why he chose this particular tree. Ulquiorra felt that his strength was growing weaker by the day, but he felt no concern. He would rather eat what he needed than to prolong his scavenging.
"I'll have to consume more food, or my power will diminish further. However, strength will not help me find the secrets of the heart." He told himself as he knew strength was something that human woman did not have, yet it somehow empowered her. Pushing those thoughts away, he gazes up at the sky as he gets comfortable.
There is no point in it as I have no purpose in this world. I simply exist. With those thoughts Ulquiorra closed his eyes and started to drift off.
The monster I'm sensing stopped moving, it's only about 10 miles away. It is incredibly fast as it put quite a distance between us. Akasha could make out a hilly forest in the distance.
So, it is hiding away from humans. This is a good sign. Akasha quickly enters the forest and continues to move deeper in to the forest. With her incredible speed she traverses until she notices a large withered bush tree.
It's inside those branches so I still can't see it. Akasha surveys the area and notes, At least, if it comes to fighting there will be no humans around.
Ulquiorra, detecting the presence outside his home awakens. He reluctantly opens his eyes as he realizes the human has not moved from its spot.
There's a human outside. Can the human sense my presence? How peculiar? And with that he stands and begins to walk out his home toward his unexpected guest.
It's approaching me now. Akasha peered through the branches trying to make out the figure as it approached her. She watched as a short-sized male emerged from the tree. She is bewildered by the appearance of the pale man as he looked almost human except for the bony structure on his head and his long streaks which reminded her of tears.
He's not any monster I know, the helmet-like structure on his head, that pale skin, and those streaks on his face. Akasha is then drawn in to the man's eyes who despite not showing any emotion seemed to be giving vibes that he was looking right through her soul. Akasha could not help but to meet his gaze. No one said anything for a minute which felt like an eternity for her.
She finally utters, "Who are you?"
"I'm surprised woman, you're the first human who is able to see me or sense me for that matter." Ulquiorra replied as he examines the slightly taller woman with curiosity.
He was genuinely expecting that the woman would not able to see him as she remained silent for a minute. Maybe his appearance was a factor, but she was not frightened of him, so he assumed it was the former. He came to a stop in front of his home as he studied her. He could sense no reaitsu from her, but he did sense something from her. She was unlike any other human he met before.
Akasha taken back by his reply could only wonder what he meant. She momentarily shakes it off and asks once more.
"I asked for your identity and I want to know what you're doing here in the human world." Ulquiorra noticing her irritation chose to stare back at her. She continued with her questioning.
"Well?"
Ulquiorra closes his eyes and responds.
"Human world you say?"
So, there are other worlds besides this human world just like in my previous dimension. Ulquiorra now understanding the gist of things stares at the woman once more.
"From your question I presume you're not human."
Akasha confused over his obvious statement responded accordingly.
"Of course, I'm not human, I'm a monster and I'm not sure which monster you are but I'm certain you're not human."
Wanting to correct the woman's assumption he spoke again.
"That is correct woman, I'm not human, but I'm not whatever you think I am. My name is Ulquiorra Cifer and I'm a hollow."
Akasha confused and not understanding blurts out what she is thinking.
"A hollow? What the heck does that mean?"
Ulquiorra choosing to ignore her simply asks, "So what does a monster like you, want from me?" Akasha getting more annoyed, but not wanting to fight chooses to answer him.
"My name is Akasha Bloodriver, I'm a vampire and a dark lord whose role is to maintain the peace between humans and monsters. We do so by teaching monsters to hide from the humans and by teaching different monsters to get along."
Ulquiorra nonchalantly replies, "You still haven't answered my question woman."
Akasha angrily retorts, "It's Akasha! Akasha Bloodriver!" Ulquiorra expression remains unfazed by her antic.
"Listen Ulquiorra, I'm here because I can't have you wandering around the human world as you will ultimately expose our kind to the humans. So, you have two choices come with me to the monster world willingly or I'll have to take you there by force."
Clearly this woman had no idea who she was talking to. He was Aizen-sama's 4th espada and he only takes order from him. Still he found it amusing that she dared to threaten him. Ulquiorra chooses to close his eyes and puts his hands in his pockets as he answers her.
"I see…but I refuse."
Ulquiorra opens his eyes to see her expression. Akasha has a visible sadden face which confused him. As he began to think of her questionable behavior, he heard her speak.
"I'll have to hurt you then."
"You're welcome to try, but it will cost you your life, woman."
Akasha could suddenly feel a heavy pressure on her as she felt his energy spiked up. That's all she needed as she moved instantly in front of him and send out a powerful kick towards his head. Ulquiorra surprised by her sudden movement, barely responds in time to grab her leg before it reached his skull. Ulquiorra was not expecting the force he felt from a simple kick as he skidded back. However, Akasha was even more shocked to find that he was able to not only keep up and grab her leg, but to stop her kick. Akasha recovers and puts more force into her next kick. Prepared for her next attack he grabs her leg again and stops her completely. This time he was able to feel a tiny glint of pain from his right arm.
"Foolish."
And just like that he throws her to the ground creating a huge crater which produces a shockwave that destroys his withered bush tree home along with the surrounding nearby trees.
I'm still surprised I felt even a glint of pain. Ulquiorra examines his right arm.
I'm less than half strength, but it is still hard to believe. His thoughts are interrupted as he sonidos to avoid a sure to be devastating downward kick. Ulquiorra examined a new larger crater.
It might be in my own interest to avoid her attacks as my reiatsu is as low as it is.
"Ulquiorra was it? I'm surprised on how incredibly fast you are." Akasha told him as she stood up and shook the dust off her dress.
Ulquiorra only stoically replies, "It's just that you're just incredibly slow woman."
Akasha eyes narrow with anger at his petty insult.
"Tch..You're pissing me off!" Ulquiorra easily sonidos out of the way of Akasha's mad charge. Akasha is forced to stop and starts to look around for him but to no avail.
He's right, I've never saw him move but he disappeared right on front of me. I must leave myself open to attack and strike him back. Akasha starts to deliberately taunt him.
"What's the matter? I thought you were going to kill me?" Akasha yells out and puts her right hand on her chest.
"If you wish to die…" Akasha turns around but is unable to see him.
"Then die."
Ulquiorra suddenly appears in front of her and stabs her with his bare hand right through her heart. Ulquiorra chose to give her a quick death but oddly he was reminded of the time he killed his fellow hollows as he stared at his blood-stained hand.
Trash. Ulquiorra immediately pulls out his hand and stares at his work.
"Foolish woman throwing away your life like that." Ulquiorra callously stated as he looked into her squinting light green eyes.
Akasha despite the immense pain smiles back at him and replies, "I was waiting for this."
His eyes widen a little at the realization of her words and the grip on his right arm. Akasha putting all her demonic energy into her right hand, quickly punches Ulquiorra's left cheek. Ulquiorra is launched back with tremendous force as he is sent flying straight through trees with no change in momentum. With a bang he finally crashes a small hill and he is immediately covered by the falling rubble of the damaged hill.
What is he made of? His skin is the hardest thing ever. Akasha rubs her knuckles gently as she felt sharp pain from the impact.
It's over. There is no way he could be conscious after all that. Akasha was certain of this as her yoki is immense and there are only a few known individuals who can take her strength without receiving fatal injuries. Akasha now focusing her attention to the hole in her chest, begins to regenerate her wound.
I'm certain he is still alive as his skin is hard and he is powerful enough to hurt me with his bare hands. Akasha started to notice that her regeneration was slower than usual.
What is going on? I should have healed by now. Akasha forced some more of her demonic energy to speed up the process, but it still refused to heal completely.
It doesn't matter. I have some time to recover before meeting up with my kids. But my dress is all ruined though. Akasha carefully examined all her tears, cuts, and the hole on her dress. She was thankful that her dress was not covered in blood and the hole was relatively small. She tore a piece of her dress to wrap it over the hole. Hearing a faint noise, Akasha turned to look at the settling dust. Akasha could see a small figure walking towards her through all the debris.
If all my energy didn't hurt him then there is no way I can beat him. Not in my current form. If I use all my Shinzo powers than I might lose control and start to feed on the humans. If that happens…no I won't use them. Akasha instinctively reached to her hip but found nothing as she was wearing a dress.
I also don't have my sword to defend myself from his. Akasha was awestruck as Ulquiorra was now visible and aside from his damaged getup, he had no visible injuries. He walked calmly towards her watching her every move like a wolf stalking its prey.
He's not even injured either, damn it! Ulquiorra was slightly impressed that her punch was able to hurt him even through his half-strength hierro.
I felt moderate pain for a brief second, but it seems that is all she could do.
"Was that the best you can do woman?" Ulquiorra commented as he noticed her expression of worry.
Ulquiorra noticing that her injury was halfway closed, was slightly amused. Akasha noticed him staring at her wound that she decides to quickly wrap it with the piece she tore earlier.
"I'm surprised that you have regeneration powers but..." Ulquiorra's finger starts to glow green.
"What are you doing?" Akasha asked him nervously as she hasn't felt fear since Alucard.
"Since you can regenerate, I won't leave a trace of you to do so." Akasha taken back gets ready to dodge.
"Cero." Ulquiorra mutters as he points at Akasha.
The enormous green cero quickly traverses towards Akasha. Not wanting to get hit by it she decides to jump out of the way. She is barely able to evade it in time and could only watch in horror as the beam continued its advancement. She observed the cero continue through countless trees before colliding into a large hill. She watched as the energy released from the cero enveloped the large hill. It expanded and consumed the surrounding area before revealing a wasteland and a giant hole where the hill stood.
He is more dangerous than I thought. He is not only faster than anyone I faced before, but he also caused so much destruction. Akasha became weak-kneed but stood her ground after the realization of what she was up against. She slowly got into her fighting stance after remembering the faces of Moka and Tsukune who are waiting for her to return.
"So, what kind of monster do you think your mother is up against?" Tsukune asked while swinging Moka's right arm with his.
"It's an S class so it could only be only certain monsters, but I don't really care as it won't stand a chance against mother." Moka haughtily answered a worried Tsukune.
"I guess so, but this is the first time I see her act that way." Noticing his worry Moka stopped swinging her arm.
"Stop worrying Tsukune, mother is the strongest person I know, and this will be easy for her."
"I know that, but it's just that I have this fee…whaa!" Moka having heard enough and trying to distract him picks him up bridal style.
"Moka! Stop this! I told you I hate it when you do this!" Tsukune shouted as he felt great embarrassment in this position. Moka could only chuckle as she saw his flustered face and answered him.
"I know, but you were starting to annoy me so why not."
"Grrrrr! Put me down!" Tsukune tries to escape her but is unsuccessful in his attempts as she easily overpowers him. Becoming angrier at her constant giggling at his expense he gave her the ultimatum.
"Put me down you freakishly strong girl or I won't let you have your favorite snack." Moka now pouting could only give in to his demand and puts him down.
"I was just having a little fun. You don't have to threaten me or call me names." She muttered under her breath.
Tsukune, now happy to be on the ground was about to chastise her more when he suddenly felt a shockwave of air push him towards Moka.
Oh no! He thought as he looked to where he was being knocked into.
Tsukune's head bumped into Moka's chest and instantly he became crimson. Instantly he backs offs and struggles to explain the situation.
"I-I-I di-di-dn't mean to-to..." He trailed off as he noticed that Moka was not paying him any attention and instead staring intensely behind him.
What was that? It was a giant green flash, but I can tell it was all energy. Mother, please be okay. Tsukune now frightened by the display grabbed Moka's hand who reassured him by squeezing his hand.
Ulquiorra surprised by her fight stance decided to ask.
"Why do you resist the inevitable? Why do you continue to fight as if you could win? Why haven't you lost hope after seeing the difference in our power? Akasha surprised by his sudden questions and his tiny change in tone answered him.
"I won't lose or give up hope as long as the whole monster world depends on me and besides, I have two kids waiting for my return."
"Tell me woman are you afraid of me?" Ulquiorra asks her as he looks into her eyes for a glint of despair.
"I'm not afraid of you. I'm afraid for my kids and that's why I won't lose to you" Akasha exclaims with no sign of fear as she powers up.
This woman is just like her. Does her heart drive her to fight me? I can't understand why they act this way. She should be full of despair. I'll just have to make her explain to me what a heart is and how do I acquire my own. Ulquiorra closes his eyes and begins to talk to her about his new decision.
"Woman, I have decided to spare your life and go to this monster world you speak of." Akasha could only stared wide eyed at the pale man.
However, she recovered quickly and managed to say, "What brought this sudden change?"
Ulquiorra opens his eyes and looks at her and for the first time, she sensed something from him.
"You remind me of someone I used to know who believed in the heart."
"The heart?" Ulquiorra only nods and continues his explanation. "I wish to know what the heart is and learn why it drives you so. I want to learn anything I can about it so that one day I might find a heart of my own." Uquiorra stated as he looked down on his hand which clenched at the thought of this heart. Akasha, now curious could only stare at him. Composing himself, Ulquiorra focused his gaze at her and continued his explanation.
"If and only if you agree to help me with this, then I shall comply to your demand." Akasha dumbfounded couldn't believe what he wanted was so simple but complicated at the same time. This was the only way to stop him from fighting her and to her it didn't seem unreasonable. Akasha also felt a sense of pity for the man's circumstance in front of her.
I can't believe he's asking for me to explain what having a heart is. He really hasn't expressed himself like normal people do. He has only shown me apathy. It's quite sad really. Akasha lost in thought, failed to notice that Ulquiorra was dangerously close to her.
"What's it going to be, woman?" Akasha startled by his proximity leans back, but holds her ground answers him.
"Alright Ulquiorra Cifer, I accept to teach you about the heart and to help you discover your own but on one condition." Ulquiorra willing to listen to her condition asks her to explain.
"Which is?" Akasha feeling confident that he would comply to due to his fast response, elaborates to him.
"You must listen to what I say." Ulquiorra not caring for her simple request chose to answer her
"Indeed Akasha-sama."
"Akasha-sama?" Akasha asks with a shocked face as she never expected someone like him to call her that.
"Since I will be following your orders that makes you my superior does it not?" He simply stated as it was the most natural thing in the world.
Akasha not willing to change his mind continued her conditions.
"As I was saying you must follow the monster laws, not hurt others, and follow my orders."
"As you wish Akasha-sama, but should you fail to teach me about the heart, then I will kill you and destroy everything you wish to protect." Akasha could feel his killing intent even though his tone did not change at all.
He is serious. She knew that failure was not an option.
"I give you my word that I will teach you what I know."
"Then, I shall give you my loyalty." Ulquiorra stated as he bows to her.
"That's not necessary, Ulquiorra. We should get going as my kids are waiting for me." Ulquiorra stands upright once again. Akasha greeted his gaze with a smile.
"We can continue our conversation when we get home, don't you think."
"As you wish Akasha-sama."
"Let's get going Ulquiorra." With that said, both disappeared in a flash.
"How long has it been since Akasha-san left us here, half an hour?" Tsukune asks Moka who is still holding his hand and has not looked away from which she can sense her mother.
Moka now sensing that her mother and the other monster are traveling together decides to inform Tsukune.
"Mother is coming and she's not alone."
"She's not alone?" Tsukune asks as he squints to see the direction Moka is looking at.
"She appears to be accompanied by the monster she went to check on."
"That means that it isn't an enemy." Tsukune happily stated as he gazed at Moka.
He took notice of Moka's frown and her sudden tight grip which was close to being painful. Tsukune was about to ask her why she seemed so tense, but his thoughts are interrupted.
"Tsukune, Moka I'm back. Sorry I took so long."
"Akasha-san!" Tsukune worriedly yelled as he ran towards her for a hug after noticing how damaged her dress was.
Moka on the other hand was staring with annoyance at the short pale man standing behind Akasha a few feet away. Moka was surprised of his appearance and strange clothes. She compared the state of his clothes and her mother's.
I can tell he's strong as his clothes are in better shape than mother's. Still that doesn't mean much in a fight. Moka's eyes narrowed as she thought of this.
Uquiorra not wanting to disturb Akasha's moment with Tsukune chose to look around his surroundings. They were near a field of sunflowers with no one around, but them.
"Who is he, Mother?" Moka angrily blurted out as she glared at Ulquiorra like a hawk. Akasha who was smiling and hugging Tsukune turned serious.
"This is a new friend of mine that I made today."
Friend? Tsukune and Moka both questioned in their minds.
"Introduce yourself to my daughter, please." Akasha again flashed a smile and Ulquiorra steps forward to stand beside her.
"My name is Ulquiorra Cifer and as of today I will be serving your mother, Akasha-sama." Ulquiorra explained with his iconic tone to the glaring child as he could feel the animosity from her. Tsukune's and Moka's eyes widen after hearing this.
"Akasha-sama?" They both blurted out simultaneously.
Before Moka could pry for more information, Akasha quickly speaks out.
"I want both of you to introduce yourselves to Ulquiorra as well."
Tsukune is the first to approach him and states
"My name is Tsukune Aono, it's nice to meet you." He courteously bows after his introduction.
Moka didn't move an inch but she did introduce herself.
"My name is Moka Bloodriver and I'm the daughter of the most powerful Dark Lord in existence" She stated conceitedly with the air of superiority.
Ulquiorra only stared at them passively and stated, "I see."
That's when they both got a good look at his eyes. Both were taken back by his eyes that seemed to look through them. Disliking the sensation, she looks back towards her mother.
"Mother, why is your dress in tatters?" She asked forgetting to ask earlier.
"My dear friend Ulquiorra tore it by mistake." She cheerfully replied.
This made Tsukune sweat drop, Moka angry, and Ulquiorra ignored her comment.
"And you let him get away with it?" Moka angrily questioned her mother.
"Like I said Moka, it was a simple mistake that I am mostly to blame."
"But mother..."
"Enough, we must return home as I'm in no condition to be out in public and I have some business to discuss with Ulquiorra." And with that Akasha opened the portal that led to their home.
"Everyone in now!"
"Fine." Moka angrily replied. She and Tsukune were the first to enter.
So, this is a portal that leads to their world. Ulquiorra thought as he witnessed the children enter the portal and reappear on the other side.
"Ulquiorra please follow me." She beckoned him as she went inside the portal. Ulquiorra complies and steps in after her.