Nel hadn't been paying much attention to the ebb and flow of reiatsu in the Palace. Things had been reasonably quiet, quieter than usual, even, since Grimmjow was limited as to how much trouble he could cause for the moment.

It had been a surprise to feel Ulquiorra's reiatsu flare, and then flare again, dramatically. She hadn't felt a response like that from him since....

Since he'd snapped and gone for Kuja.

With a frown, she'd abandoned her trashy novel and box of chocolates to go and see what was going on. She was shocked at what she saw, and although she couldn't understand a word that was being said, the tones suggested there was some important conversation going on.

"Ulquiorra!" She approached, but Ulquiorra was on top note, and L was in a pile on the floor, barely managing to sit up.

She slowed at the faint hand signal from L to back off, but didn't stop coming over. He seemed badly hurt.