The Hollow Queen

One is the Loneliest Number.

Since his skirmish with Ichigo, Grimmjow had been given a bit more free rain over where he was allowed to go in Soul Society. He wasn't permitted to go to the Rukongai districts, however he was allowed to use the training facilities, mess hall and shinigami bar. He had given them all that he knew regarding Aizen, the Hogyoku and their plans but part of him still feels empty. He is a king, why should he be confined to such pointless rules and regulations? He's not a soldier, he's a hunter, a warrior for his own gain. Part of him thinks that he shouldn't have agreed to him coming along with this mess, it would've saved him the mind numbing boredom. Every soul reaper below lieutenant level was trash, barely even able to stand near him due to his reishi, much less put up a fight. The ones who are actually worth his time are all so busy, he couldn't even find the chance to challenge Ichigo to another fight. However, the only person he won't challenge to a fight ever again is Kenpachi. He almost died during that, only being spared by Ichigo himself who took over the battle. Luckily enough, his room (He'd been moved from the holding cell to an actual semi-decent and private quarters.) has a fridge and television and the sake is good. Though, today has been different, the lieutenant of the sixth division appeared at the door of his quarters and didn't leave when he was told to "Fuck off." from Grimmjow himself.

"Oi, Grimmjow, this is important." Renji shouts, causing the panther espada to scoff to himself before pausing the novella and rolling out of his cot. The espada stretches slightly, like his former cat self, then opens the sliding door to his room.

"What do you want, Pineapple?" Grimmjow growls through his teeth. "Unless you wanna fight, get lost."

"Oh there's gonna be fighting involved but this has to be said privately. Can I come in?" The Espada's interest is piqued when he hears the red headed man say this.

"Might as well, you're the only person to have knocked all fucking week." The lieutenant slips off his shoes as he enters Grimmjow's quarters. The room is rather sparse, with just a kotatsu, cot, television, fridge and cactus being present in the room. The floor is covered in empty sake bottles and stray food remains. "Say shit about my dump and I'll gut you."

"Relax, I came to see if you want to go on a mission. We're invading Hueco Mundo tonight. I'm sure you're aware why Ichigo is more moody than usual." Renji says as he sits at a spare spot on the floor in front of the table. From his uniform he produces a bottle of plum wine.

"I thought I told you goons that I ain't helping you all against Aizen." Grimmjow snarls.

"I'm aware, but Aizen won't be in Hueco Mundo. The moment we set foot there he's going to invade the world of the living. We're going to rescue Rukia."

"What makes you think he won't bring her with him?" Grimmjow asks, and this question has crossed both his and Ichigo's mind during the planning of the rescue mission.

"We don't, but what we do know is that Rukia will try to escape the moment she senses us in Hueco Mundo. We know that Aizen is bating Ichigo to go to Hueco Mundo, so when he senses him, he'll move his forces to the living world."

"So why do you need me?" Grimmjow asks.

"Because you know the place and none of us do. Once Aizen is dead, there's going to be a power vacuum there you are going to want to take advantage of." Grimmjow arches an eyebrow slightly at the prospect.

"A king needs a kingdom." Grimmjow grins. "Alright. I'm in. When are we leaving?"

"Tomorrow. Ichigo is still training with the quincy as well as the head captain. Figured I'd ask if you want to train him too with the hollow side of his abilities." Renji responds.

"If he can out drink me, then yes I'll train him." Grimmjow responds. "Since you came all the way here with the booze might as well stay for a cup. Besides, I'm gonna need to be filled in on this Rukia chick."