The Past [Grimmjow Jeagerjaques]

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Grimmjow growled to himself, arms crossed and leaning up against a wall. How the fuck did he get stuck doing this? Watch duty for one of Szayel's many experiments for Lord Aizen. This was something for those lesser Arrancar to be assigned since they had nothing else better to do. Or Ulquiorra, being the ex-Captain's lapdog and all. He was here of course, present for all Arrancar 'births' since he was the one to prep and then bring them before Aizen. The Fourth Espada was even in charge of their sparing match, which would determine their strength and ability where the Arrancar would receive a rank. Though being present for a 'birth', the young man knew there were worse punishments he could receive from his insubordination, as Tousen liked to call it whenever he managed to 'mess up'.

Sighing, the Sixth Espada's eyes lazily glanced around watching Szayel's Fracción rush about, bored out of his mind. Finally the crazed scientist emerged from the back room approaching the controls that were hooked up to the body lying on the table completely wrapped in bandages. "Are we ready to begin?" the pinked-haired man asked.

"We've been ready," Grimmjow snapped. "You just like taking your sweet damn time like a girl!"

The Espada snickered, turning on the machines. "Cranky as always, Grimmjow. Wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? Or is it the fact that you were caught this time around and Lord Aizen is making you attend."

Grimmjow glared in warning, but it was ignored. "Enough," Ulquiorra ordered. "Begin the administration-"

The doors opened, the three turning to watch as Aizen walked through the doors. "Is there something wrong, Lord Aizen?" Szayel questioned.

"Not at all," he answered. "I was curious to see this soul's revival is all."

The pink-haired man cocked a brow. "You never normally come to these sort of things, so you can imagine my surprise." Shoulders shrugging he turned back to the controls and screens. "Very well then."

Turning a dial spiritual pressure began pumping through the wires and into the limp form. The Sixth Espada's eyes looked at it, amused with the fact that based on the overall appearance and outline of the figure they were about to get another female on their team. Though he hardly doubted she would receive any high ranking. Only Tia was qualified enough for the top ten. He wouldn't be surprised if this Arrancar became a Fracción.

The chest began to rise and fall, hand twitching. "Cut away the head wrappings," the scientist instructed. Two of his Fracción rushed forward snipping away the bandages so the Arrancar could breathe easier. The skin was so pale; Grimmjow almost compared it to Ulquiorra's, while the dark, loosely curled hair tumbled over the edges of the table. It took a few more minutes for the eyes to flutter open the pale blue pupils trying to focus. The Espada had to admit he was rather disappointed. He figured it would be more intense with more action.

"Well, that has never happened before," Aizen spoke up.

The comment caused Grimmjow to glance over, actually willing to ask, "This isn't normal?"

"No," Szayel answered. The machines were powered down as more assistances came forward to help the delirious young woman. "Usually it's a lot more violent to a point where the Arrancar can throw themselves off of the table. It's because the soul is trying to revive itself after being comatose for so long; trying to get used to a body again can prove difficult."

"If you wouldn't mind, Ulquiorra, I would like a private audience with this Arrancar before heading to the throne room."

"Understood, Lord Aizen," the Fourth answered.

"You two are dismissed."

Grimmjow smirked, pushing off the wall and quickly leaving the room. At least he had a few minutes before the Soul Reaper would call them all back to the throne room in order to 'greet' their new arrival.

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It was obvious the Espada and their Fracción wanted to be elsewhere, not wanting to sit around and wait for Aizen to make an appearance and announce what he would do with the addition to their army.

Finally the man came out from around the chair, taking a seat and drawing everyone's attention. "Gin, if you would."

The man on the other side of the room opened the doors and they watched as the young woman carefully looked around before entering. Ulquiorra had handed her a blazer, long pants making her appear taller. Bare feet padded softly against the ground making it seem like she was gliding instead of walking. Some of the Arrancars' scoffed, others snickering at how easy it would be to break her. Based on appearance alone this one wouldn't last long.

"And tell us your name," Aizen spoke up. The Arrancar had reached the front by now, having stopped and stared up at the Lord.

"Carmen." The voice was soft, only exciting the Espada more at the prospect of an easy prey. But for some reason Grimmjow couldn't force himself to think the same way as another feeling ran through his body at the sound. What the hell was that?

"There will be no sparing match this time." That struck the others as odd. "We've already discussed a position among us." His attention was solely on her, giving her an amused grin. "You will be our Tenth Espada."

"What?" the large man on the other side of the room snapped.

"I don't know why you are so concerned, Yammy, seeing as you are technically Zero." He grumbled in response, not really having a say in the matter. "However," the ex-Captain's attention turned to the new addition, "your power is most interesting and I do not intend on allowing that to be flaunted on the field until the war. Every side needs a secret weapon. Why don't you tell them what you can do, my dear."

"I can project visions and scenarios in ones mind and make it feel real," she answered with little emotion.

"What the fuck?" Nnoitra spoke up. "What the hell does that mean?"

The Lord motioned for her to continue. "I can pick up visions from people by merely touching them, resurface memories that are buried deep in your subconscious, and project a parallel universe in which you believe you're a part of and completely detach you from the real world."

"Which is perfect when wanting to effectively kill you enemies because what they are fighting is an illusion. A silent killing." Sadistic grins ran throughout the room at the idea. "And they won't even know what happened because they would be dead before hitting the ground."

Though the Sixth was one of those who smirked, he noticed the new Espada did not almost appearing sad. She wore the same expression the entire time. What was up with this chick?

"Grimmjow." His eyes flickered up. "I believe you're in need of a new Fracción." Brows narrowing, the young man was forced to hold his tongue. There was nothing he could say against the assignment, and he did not want to be doing some piss ass excuse for a task for being disrespectful. Once was enough for him to last a lifetime. There were much better things to do than something for Lord Aizen. Like sparing or finding that Soul Reaper Kurosaki and challenging him to a fight. "It is decided then," the man continued with his never changing smile. "Carmen will be disguised as a Fracción. Train her well. She has no skills in sword fighting... yet."

Grimmjow wasn't going to enjoy one second of this.

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Carmen's skills, they weren't even average. And it frustrated him, knowing that they would have to start from scratch. He didn't have time for this bullshit, teaching the Espada how to properly hold and sword and basic foot placements. Now he wouldn't be able to spar as much as he used to, having to settle for evening practices now with his other Fracción, who were not too happy about the arrangement. Though Grimmjow had to give her some props for coming around and staying till the end of their matches. Even if it was clear she was exhausted, and covered in dirt and blood. Normal girls would have been complaining or slacked off, which was why Tia was really the only one who had female Fracción. They actually listened to her because they were the same sex, so the three worshiped their Espada. If it were anyone else a female Arrancar would walk away to 'do their own thing'. So fucking annoying. But then why was Carmen different? In fact, the young woman would be the last to depart, which was when he would leave.

"What the hell is your problem?" he finally asked one day.

Startled by the sudden outburst her head picked up looking him in the eye. His gaze was harsh. "What do you mean?"

This had been one of the more intense trainings they had had in weeks. Dried blood caked the uniform in some areas, hair in disarray, and there was a very prominent bruise forming on one of the cheeks. "You look like shit. Why didn't you go clean up?"

The smile was strained. "I didn't want to miss anything. If I'm an Espada I need to be stronger, right?"

Well, he wasn't expecting that answer looking away without a remark. And he missed the smirk on Carmen's lips at the fact that she caught him.

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News of the addition to the army certainly got around Las Noches and Arrancars began flocking towards the Espada wishing to be Fracción. That and see if it was true that she could 'see the past' as some were calling it. Memories. Grimmjow became so irritated with all the intrusions the others were creating, interrupting them during sparing just so they could talk to Carmen that he had to set a rule in place, snapping, "If I catch one of you assholes in here again when we're in the middle of something I'll kill you myself! Bother her on her own time, not mine!"

The Espada giggled lightly, causing his head to snap in her direction in warning. Immediately the young woman hushed up, covering the mouth with a hand to try and stop herself. But the whole situation was amusing.

And people believed her. Whatever it was that Carmen 'saw'. Grimmjow didn't for a moment, scoffing at the idea that in fact a person could dig into their past. What's to say it was a bunch of bull? A person could be creative. "It was like I was actually there, seeing it with my own eyes."

The young man scoffed. "What a load of crap..." he muttered, walking away from the training room. Carmen had wandered off elsewhere, most likely seeing her next 'client'. He rolled his eyes grabbing something from the kitchen and retiring to the bedroom.

A shower was most welcomed, hissing when the hot water hit a gash on a forearm. Grimmjow hated to admit that the Tenth Espada was quite skilled in the art of learning quickly. He had to force Di-Roy to fight her and she actually fared fairly well against the Arrancar. How Carmen held that determination he would never know, even when she refused to show much emotion. Besides sadness. That was a frequent expression everyone was used to seeing.

Grimmjow paused, turning to look at the closed bedroom door, while running a towel through the wet hair. He could sense a strong pressure outside. Brows furrowing, he quietly cracked open the door. Carmen was just returning to her room, watching as Ulquiorra seemed to stop the young woman by placing a hand on her shoulder and forcing her to turn. He said something under his breath, something the Sixth Espada couldn't hear. But it seemed to bring forth emotion to the facial features almost seeming like the young woman was going to cry. Instead, Carmen wrapped both arms around him in a tight hug. And even more surprising than the fact that the Fourth didn't kill the new Espada, he returned the gesture just as fiercely.

What the hell? Did they actually know each other? How was that even possible? Ulquiorra didn't get close to anyone. They were all trash in his eyes. And for some reason the contact made him angry. Why the hell was this new Arrancar affecting him so? And why did he have more of an urge to rip the Fourth's head off? Before things got ugly, Grimmjow closed the door. Why the hell should he care what his Fracción did? It was her choice if she wanted to... lovean emotionless bastard.

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"So have you gone?" Starrk asked.

"Gone where?" Grimmjow grumbled. Most of the Espada were lounging around in the throne room, awaiting Lord Azien to present then with more information on the impending war.

"You know where, your Fracción, or in our case the Tenth Espada. Everyone's been talking about her. She's become quite the star around here."

"Feh, a load of bull is what it is."

Starrk cocked a brow. "Have you gone?"

"Why the hell would I? Have you?"

"No, I'm not particularly interested in finding out who I was before becoming a Hollow. I can deal... But Lily is thinking about it. I'm not sure about that, but you can't tell me you're the least bit interested. Especially when so many people have been seeking her out."

The Sixth scoffed as Aizen took the platform, but his attention was drawn towards Carmen, who sat off to the side just out of the corner of the eye, along with the rest of his Fracción. Whatever she was doing it wasn't real. At least the young man kept telling himself that.

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"You've been awfully quiet lately."

Grimmjow glanced down at Carmen. "Is that wrong?"

Her shoulders shrugged. "It's just... a little odd. Is something on your mind?"

"Why the hell would you think that?" he snapped.

"Because you get this look on your face and you try to find something to take your anger out on. A punching bag..." He cocked a brow. "Or... um, another Arrancar."

"Worry makes you weak," he scoffed, looking ahead once more.

"Or stronger."

"And why do you think that?"

"Because you'll do anything in your power to help that person."

Grimmjow faltered in his step, the sentence seeming similar somehow. But from where had he heard it?

"If you want answers-"

"I don't need your help," he snapped. And the moment those words left his lips the young man regretted it. Especially when Carmen gave him a small smile that didn't reach the eyes.

"It's your choice." The Fracción walked away down another hall, the Espada pausing to watch her disappear.

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Grimmjow tried distancing himself as much as possible from Carmen for two weeks. Two weeks watching as she chose to be in the company of Ulquiorra when they were not sparing together, where he had no choice but in interact with her. And with every moment of contact the young man had to force himself to pull away before doing something he may regret later. And the Espada hated to admit it he was curious. All souls when they crossed over lost most of their memory. Only selective cases could recall their human lives. Grimmjow wanted to know why he felt these foreign feelings. When Carmen tried getting close to him yet always seemed sad. How she looked so familiar, but couldn't quite place how he knew her.

And not knowing was killing him. A few of the other Espada and lower Arrancars had come forward wanting answers either to learn about their past or if there was some way to unlock a hidden memory in their brain that could lead to discovering a hidden talent, power. More came away with useful information from their 'sessions' with Carmen when asking about the history behind their soul.

Grimmjow glared at the door in front of him that lead into the secret Espada's room, feeling her pressure move about inside. She had to have known by now he was there, just waiting for him to knock. Damn her for making him make the first move.

The panel slid open as the young man entered without knocking, eyes darting towards the bed where Carmen sat on the edge brushing the long hair. The smile was kind, setting the object on the nightstand. "I knew you would come."

"How?"

She gave him a sad smile. "Because of your curiosity."

His eyes narrowed in warning. "For someone who hasn't been here that long, you sure know a lot about me. Who the hell are you?"

"I am no one. Like it was said before, I can tap into people's memories." There was a moment of silence. "But you are not here for that lecture. You want to know more about your past. As a human?" The Espada grumbled under his breath, Carmen nodding. She had him lay down on the bed and told him to get comfortable, while she sat near the head. "A word or warning," the young woman spoke up. "You may not like what you see."

He chuckled. "Is that what you tell all of your customers?"

Cool hands pressed again his temples, not breaking eye contact. "Yes," she whispered. And Grimmjow felt himself being pulled under in a rush.

When he came to, the young man didn't recognize the room. Carefully, his eyes scanned the area around him; a closet along the wall, nightstand, pillow, bed. Grimmjow was in another bedroom, and turning to the right realized he was not alone. The young man sat up peeking over the shoulder since their back was to him. She looked so familiar...

Isla. That was her name and having no control over his body the Espada bent down kissing the forehead before getting out from under the sheets. Grimmjow stared at his reflection, pulling on a shirt and pants over his boxers. His mask was gone as was the hole, but everything else about him looked the same. Strange. And even stranger was the fact that he had no control over anything he did but seemed to know exactly where he was going.

Walking down the stairs and out onto the sidewalk Grimmjow glanced around in search of something. He wasn't sure what yet. The screeching of tires drew his attention to the car that pulled up, driver reaching over and opening the passenger door. A smirk came to his lips, making his way over. Getting in he was surprised to find Ulquiorra at the wheel but he wasn't angry and didn't seem to feel resentment towards him either. Brother, the word seemed to come to mind. Isla's older brother. They weren't enemies because even the emotionless young man greeted him with... emotion?

"Where to tonight?" Grimmjow questioned.

"The billiard bar downtown," he answered, peeling away from the house. "How's Isla?"

"Exhausted. She worked a double shift at work."

His head shook. "I keep telling her she needs to get a better job."

"You and me both," the Espada snickered.

Pulling into the lot they walked inside, greeting Yammy at the bar, who grunted in greeting, and moved into the back of the room where the pool tables sat. "Well, look who finally decided to

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