Chapter 1

As I lay in my bed, waiting for my willpower to kick in and get up, I decided that I am 75% sure I once had a family. Well at least a mom or otherwise I couldn't technically exist. Never having met someone who shares my genetic code in my eighteen years of life causes my percentage of surety changed every day; yesterday, for example, I was 75.5% sure.

Lying above the covers I can hear the ticking of the wall clock, the dull clapping of feet against the floor and the occasional vibrations from the machinery below. Casting a glance at the clock mentioned before I realize my door will be opening soon; and they don't like it when you're not ready. Rolling off my bed I made sure my feet made contact with the plush rug as opposed to the cold ground.

My compartment was the same as everyone else's here, 8x8, sparsely furnished, metal walls, metal floors and metal doors, basically everything in the room is gray.

I decide against a shower, the salt water always burned my skin the day after having tests done and the needle holes in my arms were still slightly open, and dressed in my green cargo pants and a thick strapped black tank top, the colors making me paler then I really was; which is saying something cause I'm literally colored white. Waiting in front of the heavy door out of the room I ran my hands through my hair to untangle the shoulder length black locks.

A grinding noise filled my ears signaling the opening of the automatic doors. The hallway was decked in the same metal as in our compartments and the lighting was only a little better but giving everyone walking under them a sickly green hue. There were no windows offering fresh air leaving the place feeling stuffy and the entire area smelling dry and moldy. My surrounding four inhabitants also stepped into the hall, blinking slightly and stretching sore limbs. I didn't need to be able to see what number was above their doors, they were used to mark each subject's number, to know who was who.

Before anyone could speak a 'Handlers', as we've taking to calling them, strolled down the aisle of doors telling everyone to line up against the walls. He was dressed in a military uniform, gray from head to toe, a black hat, and shiny black boots clomping along.

Each person he passed received a glare and like usual every person he looked at returned his gaze with a bored one. Handlers never touched us but the way they crept around with a baton strapped to their hip was enough of a warning that they meant business. Though handlers patrol the hallways looking for whatever they look for they rarely bother us more than a few glares, they know they can only threaten us and not really do anything because of how valuable we are.

The handler glared at me when it was my turn before continuing down the row, we don't' really know what they're looking for when they walk down the aisles; it probably just makes them feel important. Eventually we were cleared and allowed to head into the cafeteria area.

The cafeteria was a small circular room with only a single table with five chairs around it and only one Handler was in the room with us as a precaution. Our food was already at our spots and wordlessly we took our normal sitting arrangements. No one even hesitates before eating, if our bodies can go through the hell they do on a normal bases then we could take anything slipped into our food.

Sitting down at the table with my unappealing meal of brown and green mush I barley gave the others around me a second look; after seeing the same faces for the majority of eighteen years you grow tired of them.

To my left was Starrk, test subject number one, twenty five with chin length brown hair. The only thing anyone needs to know about him on a personal level was that he sleeps, a lot, and he mainly tests different pills for depression; they tried muscle boosters for a bit but his increased strength became a hazard when people tried to wake him up. Though he no longer takes the meds Starrk is still the strongest in our testing group from the pills lasting effects.

Then across from him was Baraggan, test subject number two was in his eighty, originally he was an outpatient helping with reducing the sign of ages. Though he still shows the signs of being old, wrinkles and joint aches, his body was nothing less than pure metal. The reason that he's now an inpatient was due to him catching an infection in his right eye a decade ago, they took it from him to dissect leaving a large scar in its place. After the surgery the large man decided to live in the facility for some strange reason.

Harribel was next to the oldest tester. Test subject three was twenty, the only female in the building and though I have nothing to compare her too I knew she was beautiful, well at least she should be with the amount of cosmetic she's subjected to. From the amount of Botox they've given her over the years she can no longer move half her face muscles giving her an eternally blank look from the eyes down. Her almost yellow hair grows out unevenly and Harribel pulls it back in different sections in order to hide her thinned out areas.

Finally, sitting across from me was Nnoitora, test subject five and the facilities giant, with unevenly cut black hair reaching to his shoulders. He's been here for as long as I can remember and only a year older then myself. He was kind of short when we were kids and I was even taller than him at a point. That was the only reason he was picked for the growth program. Apparently people in the outside world want to be tall and he was the guinea pig that made it possible for injection growth. Now he's seven foot and has to bend down to fit through doorways.

I am test subject four, used to combat different illness. They inject different contractible illnesses into me and then a few days later they would test out the antidote. I was lucky though, the other subjects get things right away where as a bit of testing goes on before illnesses ever reach my system. My arms are like callouses in places and tiny scars mark the numerous injects over time, my nails have even turned black from the amount of toxins running through my system. My eyes are jade green, my black hair hung around my face with a stray clump of bangs hanging between my eyes and to enhance my skeletal like appearance my skin was bleached white from never having been outside or near sunlight.

"So I got some news guys," Starrk leaned forward to rest his chin on his hands.

Somehow Starrk always had news on what was going on that the rest of us didn't.

"Is it about the alarm clock in your room again?" Nnoitora mumbled around a mouthful of mush.

"No, I already ripped that from the wall." The brunette's fingers twitched against his cheek bone as if he was reliving the incident. "Apparently there's been an increase in outpatient suicides; the scientists are starting to take precautions."

"Wouldn't blame them." I stated as I pushed around my meal on its tray.

Harribel lifted her hand to her jaw and pried her mouth open, "Only a weak person would kill themselves." The syllables came out strained as she couldn't move her mouth without the help of her hand; guess she got another injection yesterday. Behind her I could see the Handler whispering something into a communication device; hopefully he wasn't reporting our conversation.

"Wish I could do it but I can't exactly hang myself now can I?" Nnoitora shoved his tray away from him only having eaten half of the food. "Maybe I can bang my head against doorframes till I die."

"Like I said only the weak would kill themselves." Harribel stated and Baraggan huffed in agreement.

"You just can't do it yourself because of the amount of plastic around your organs."

"Thank you Starrk."

The Brunet crossed his arms on the table and rested his chin on them having defended the other male. "Sometimes I feel as if the pills they pump me up with are then only reason I can still function in this place."

This was depressing, but it was a normal meal discussion. I like to listen more than joining in on conversations because it lets me process what is going on and see it from everyone's different viewpoint before developing my own. Honestly I couldn't say I hated this place and I can't say I loved it because there is nothing for me to compare it to. Theses metal wall are the only things I have ever seen and known, Handlers come and go with time but I appear to just be standing still in this facility.

"Test subject Four Dr. Belford wants you." I sighed knowing that this was an examination for yesterday's injection.

My companions wished me luck as I exited the rooms only door and followed the waiting Handler to Belford's office.

"Thank you boy, you're dismissed." Dr. Belford told the Handler when we entered his office. "How are you feeling Ulquiorra?"

"Fine, old man."

The old man, Mr. Belford, was sixty seven and one of the oldest scientists here; he has worked strictly with me for as long as I can remember. He was sporting his white lab jacket which only emphasized the white in his peppered hair. When I came for visits I always enjoyed looking at the different objects he keeps in his work area from the little flash drives that he refers to as 'classic pieces of machinery' to the many objects with apples on their backs he keeps hidden in a drawer.

"Good to hear." The doctor knew I called him old man in a form of respect ever since I was ten when he told me being old was a treasure in life and you were lucky if you could reach it. After a few years I realized he had probably been joking but none the less it's what I call him. "Off to the exam room then."

As I was lead to the examination room I enjoyed the lack of metal. Since this area was open to the facility visitors it had stripped wall paper and picture of different fruits. Though it was still an eyesore the scenery change was better than the metal I usually saw.

The scientist opened a door and said a greeting to someone inside. I didn't know I would have a sit in while examined so my mood dropped at the new knowledge.

When I entered the small room the usual exam room greeted me. The cold metal table, a desk with a computer and an entire wall dedicated a two way mirror; visitors don't like being in the same room as the test subjects.

What was different though was the man leaning against the wall in a Handlers uniform. About six two with blue hair he looked more like an outpatient tester then a beefed up security guard.

"Grimmjow this is Ulquiorra. Ulquiorra this is my son." The old man smiled looking between me and his boy. It never really occurred to me that the scientist may have a life outside of the facility since he appeared to never leave.

This Grimmjow didn't appear to be a happy person; his face seemed to be etched in a permanent mark of boredom mixed with disapproval. It was hard to believe that the cheery old man had such a dark son.

It also struck me that the newest Handler was rather young in comparison to his father, appearing to be maybe twenty five, while I know the scientist would soon be celebrating his sixty eight birthday.

"Hello Grimmjow," I don't like meeting new people but the old man always told me to be polite when he introduced me to his fellow scientists. I would guess the same goes for anyone new I encountered.

"Whatever," The blue haired man shrugged me off and looked to the side. It appeared that he was as eager to meet me as I was him.

"Be polite."

At his father's disapproving tone the Handler tried again, "Hello."

I had lost interest in talking with the new man and was just waiting for the time I can be dismissed. As the old man continued to give me a checkup Grimmjow looked on in boredom as the usual doctor methods passed; looking in the ears, nose and throat.

"Shirt off please." Robotically I did as I was instructed and looked down at my body when the clothing was removed.

My ribcage protruded from my sides due to the different treatments I have undergone, and no matter how much food I eat my weight has never changed. Then there are scars, silver tinted on my bleached skin, mostly around my abdomen where the skin was still semisoft. Looking up I caught Grimmjow openly staring at my exposed skin; it doesn't bother me though since I have become well accustomed to this behavior.

"Do you feed the guy?"

"Shush, Grimmjow. I raised you to have manors didn't I?" The Handler mumbled something making the old man turn to him in his swivel chair. "If something is bothering you the door is open."

The coldness of the room was seeping into my exposed chest and I glared at the man since it was his fault I had to wait; plus he obviously was irritating the old man. Grimmjow didn't make a move to leave so his father turned back to me. "Sorry about that Ulquiorra."

I just shrugged as his eyes scanned my torso for any rashes or imperfections that were not there the day before. My eyes kept drifting to the odd person out in the room till I just stared at him. I've never seen someone with odd colored hair before, other than the surgical scientist on the third floor.

I've never been self-conscious but next to this person of the outside world I was feeling slightly less then him.

"Pants off," Again I followed orders and didn't miss the Handler looking away. Grimmjow stayed with his eyes averted till the old man gave me the ok to dress again.

"It's all fine?" I asked while zipping up my pants.

"There is a little excess bruising around the injection hole but I don't think it's anything to worry about." The scientist reassured me as he scribbled on a clipboard.

Shirt now on I sat on the floor to lace up my shoes. I trusted the old man; he kept me alive this long after all. When my shoes were finished I stood and waited for the old man to lead me back to the living area of the facility.

"Grimmjow, are you going to start you job now or should we wait till I'm dead?"

Confused I looked between the father and son.

"I was waiting for him to leave." Was Grimmjow's response. He pushed himself off the wall and crossed his arms. "Are you ready yet test subject four?"

"His names Ulquiorra, Grimm."

"Old man what are you two talking about." I hate people talking like I wasn't in the room and the conversation was going in a circle I couldn't follow.

He was confused for a second before something hit him. "Did they not tell you yet?" My silence answered for me, "People need to learn to communicate. Grimmjow here is now your personal Handler, I had him assigned especially to you, he'll be leading you to and from your appointments and be with you in your free time."

"I don't want him."

"Ulquiorra you can't return him like clothes." I tilted my head; confused because I didn't know I could return them. "Grimmjow's assigned to you. Just go about your business as you normally do."

The scientist ignored me as he went back to scribbling. I continued to stare at him till it was obvious he was purposely ignoring me.

"Come on Four." The Handler actually attempted to grab my arm like he was going to pull me from the room.

I side stepped him, pulling the limb out of his reach. "I can walk on my own."

"Then do it." Grimmjow was intimidating enough when he was just standing there but when he was purposely trying to he towered over me like a dark annoyed wall.

Without a word I turned and left the room, but after a meaningful glare to the Handler. I could hear him following behind me, the annoying click of the Handlers shoes against the metal floors echoed around us in a rather annoying orchestra that I wish I could get away from.

"Why are you here?" I asked to the hallway ahead of me thought the question was directed at my follower.

"Obviously it's my job."

This time I stopped and turned slightly towards him wanting a serious answer. "But why is it your job to follow me?"

He didn't answer right away, it was clear that he was annoyed with me but I really didn't care. As he picked an answer a large grin broke across his face; something I wasn't expecting. "Because you belong to the facility if they don't want to tell why I'm here I sure as hell won't."

Turning I rolled my eyes and continued to the living area for the buildings inhabitants. This room was at least of some interest in our usual day, there were two beat up couches with a table between them a television mounted on the wall. Other than our rooms and the testing areas this was the only other place we were allowed to go.

Starrk was taking an entire couch up to himself while napping and Nnoitora was hunched over the other flipping through the stations on the TV. Though they were the only test subjects in the room they weren't the only people. Against the wall were two other Handlers I've never seen before, the first was blond with his hair slicked back in a messy style with blue eyes and the other was a female with light pick eyes that barley came up to the other Handlers shoulders.

Ignoring Grimmjow I sat myself on the couch next to Nnoitora, "I'm guessing one of them is yours?"

"The guy with the pole shoved up his ass," The giant made his statement loud enough so it could carry to the blonde's ears. "Yeah, the girls Starrk's but I don't see how she'll be of any use if he goes into a rage." Nnoitora turned his head so he could see the three against the wall, "Maybe she can switch with yours."

"I don't care, if she dies then it's her superiors fault for the horrible match up." It was the truth and I felt no concern over her welfare; in this facility only the strong can survive.

"Yeah, right." Nnoitora agreed as he picked a station playing some gory movie. In the first few seconds a guy was hit in the back with an axe. "Well, we'll see soon enough almost time for Starrk's checkup."

As if on cue the female Handler stepped forward with an annoyed look on her otherwise cheerful appearing face. I guess it was wakey wakey time for test subject one.

Cracking her knuckles the Handler grabbed a hold of Starrk's shoulder and shook him firmly. When it only earned her an annoyed growl the Handler rolled up her uniforms sleeves, took a hold of Starrk's arm and threw him off the couch.

It wasn't a tiny toss either, the man ended up hitting the wall ten feet away and bouncing off it. The Handler was obviously taking strength pills similar to the ones Starrk had been on.

"Maybe she can handle herself after all." Nnoitora mumbled as we watched Starrk pick himself off the ground so he was in a sitting position, rubbing the back of his head.

"What was that for Lilynette?" I know I at least was surprised that the man didn't run for the girl with killer intent.

Lilynette fixed her uniform, not seeming to care that the strength she had demonstrated was greater than what her small size should have been able to do. "They're ready for you now."

As the two left the room my eyes wandered to Grimmjow, slightly interested in wither he also had increased strength. My Handler could out muscle me without the strength pills so I hope he wasn't on them.

"Want something Four?"

I blinked, "Not from you." My plan was that the less time I had to spend interacting with the Handler the better my life would be.

"Hey man servant!" Nnoitora's way of speaking with to his Handler was not a shock but I wasn't expecting the lack of visual response from the blonde. "You know if you do that to me I'll kill you."

"Dully noted."

After Starrk and Lilynette's performance nothing really happened that was eventful beyond there being a second table in the cafeteria for our Handlers; the old man wasn't kidding when he said Grimmjow would be with me during all my free time.

Starrk and his handler were the only coed partners with Harribel having a female named Mila Rose with wild curly brown hair; I didn't have a read on her yet. Baraggan's rather famine looking follower was Ggio, I have been staring at him for twenty minutes and I am almost sure he is a boy, the Handler had golden eyes and scruffy black hair pulled back in a braid.

When eight o'clock rolled around I was actually happy to be herded back into my small compartment; being under Grimmjow's watchful eye made me uneasy. I had two hours till the lights turned off so I took a shower in the lightly salted water, and emerged feeling like I had finally washed the Handlers gaze off me.

Changing into a second hand pair of sleep pants stripped green and black and a loose fitting black tee-shirt I reentered my bed area. Still having an hour till lights out I pulled a book from the top of my dresser. I enjoy reading and anything the old man lets be borrow I'm happy for, this particular book was based around a girl with an over baring government; the first part I struggled to get through but after that it picked up dramatically. Saved for the more dramatic part of having people fight to the death, I felt a connection to the book; I couldn't escape my fate and neither could she.

I read from the heroin entering the game to her being chased by a forest fire when the lights suddenly went out. Marking my spot I placed the book on the floor and covered myself in the thin blankets lying on my bed. Staring at the ceiling I reflected on the day's events, it was eventful but I'm not sure if it was a good eventful or a bad eventful yet.

The Handler Grimmjow, what's your story I wonder.

Hi guys break is over! It took forever to think of a new story
(the whole teen high school romance was getting a little old).
This story is not going to be for the lighthearted, I have a few chapter planned already and before each one I plan on having a warning for those that wish to graze over parts.

Till next chapter tata! ;D