(A/N) So this is my very first fic and I do hope I went about it right. This may seem like an odd pairing but I absolutely love it.
A huge thanks to IIII coAtL IIII for writing such an awesome story that inspired me to write this one.
Reviews of all kinds are welcome
Chapter 1: First Encounters and Impressions
Orihime couldn't remember the last time she had felt so overwhelmed like this. Adrenaline pumped rapidly through her as she sprinted away from the three figures behind her. She would not look back. Drawing on her reiatsu she shoved them into her muscles, healing them, for maximum effort just like Yoruichi-san had thought her. She would not allow herself to be caught this time. She would not openly admit it but she had survived worse and came out on top. And now at the age of 22 she would bypass this challenge like all the others. Clutching the chain like object in her hand she poured all her energy into getting far away for now, anywhere but here. She was running not caring where just anywhere. Slipping through shops, weaving in and out of crowds and ducking into alleyways. Her feet had a mind of its' own. The park came into sight and Orihime smiled, turning she headed towards it. There were about a handful of people only in the park.
Orihime slowed down enough to loop the chain around her neck. Her entire body felt too hot. Rubbing her sweaty hands down the side of her shorts Orihime sped up again rounding the corner she stopped to catch her breath, which way, straight ahead or cut through the alleyway, both led up to the Karakura College. She needed to get lost in the sea of students. If she took the long route he would catch her by cutting through the alleyway. She glanced over her shoulder quickly to make sure he hadn't caught up to her yet. Orihime's decision was made for her as she felt a heavy reiatsu coming from ahead. Orihime stiffened and without thinking darted into the dark alleyway at full speed.
Soul Society
The alarms, the loud alarms, any minute now, the damn loud alarms. Kurotsuchi Mayuri tossed the scalpel at the far wall before storming out of his lab. Oh someone was going to pay dearly for this. What the hell were his good for nothing pea brained officers doing. Barging into the control room Mayuri grabbed hold of Akon by the collar." Turn the damn alarms off before I pull out all of your horns and mail you each one on your birthday".
Akon went pale before answering quickly " Hai Taicho, Rin alarms" Rin Tubokura dashed to the console switching off the alarms and staring at the screen. Rin's eyes widened as he spoke "T-taicho you may want to have a look at these readings".
Mayuri dropped Akon turning his full attention to the screen. "Nemu, he barked, "you good for nothing get in here record this data and follow me to the 1st Division, like a child receiving candy he gleefully rubbed his hands together before speaking in a high pitched tone" There seems to be quite an interesting set of hollows in the Living world".
1st Division
The captain-commanders' voice boomed strong and clear daring any one to challenge his decision. "Now then the following taicho's and fukutaicho will enter the living world and destroy the hollows detected by the 12th division. Kuchiki Byakuya, Abarai Renji, Hitsugaya Toshiro and Matsumoto Rangiku will report immediately to the living world. Since the hollow's detected seem to be different from previous hollow's a week's leave is granted for the threat to be fully terminated. During which time I require daily updates regarding the progress. Any questions?"
"Yes, I would need at least 1 live hollow to study and collect data for future reference".
The Captain-commander glanced at Kurotsuchi taicho while pondering over it before speaking "Very well I entrust the capturing of 1 hollow to Hitsugaya taicho. This meeting is adjourned". Toshiro simply nodded. With those words the hall filed out as the Taicho and fukutaicho made their preparations to depart for the living world.
30 minutes later a senkaimon opened to the living world. Kuchiki Byakuya immediately scanned and located the hollows as well as a substitute Shinigami flaring his reiatsu. Byakuya held back the urge to openly sigh. However his fellow companions did not. Byakuya was the first to speak up eager to get this over with
"Hitsugaya Taicho I'll leave Kurosaki Ichigo and the 3rd hollow to you and Matsumoto fukutaicho".
Toshiro gave a sharp nod before adding "we'll meet up at Urahara's shop afterwards if all the hollows are killed" Toshiro shunpo'd off with Matsumoto in tow.
"Renji go east I'll take the hollow to the west". It was logical since he was the only one with the fastest Shunpo and the hollow seemed to be getting further away as they spoke.
"Hai Taicho", they spilt ways to encounter their respective hollow's.
It didn't take Byakuya long to reach the Hollow as he touched down on to the side walk. He flared his reiastu enough to draw its attention but oddly enough instead of attacking it darted into the dark corridor. Concealing his reiastu Byakuya shunpo'd onto the roof of the building before silently jumping down ahead of the hollow. With his reiatsu hidden the hollow would not know it was running right to its death.
The corridor was too dark to see so Byakuya focused on the reiastu heading his way he hesitated drawing senbonzakura as he felt an oddly faint yet somehow familiar reiastu beneath the hollow's one. One moment he heard running and the next everything went deathly silent as something rammed straight into him knocking the wind out of him and causing him to lose balance, falling back Byakuya was aware that the creature had most likely not seen him as well. Byakuya hit the ground harder than he expected as the creatures weight bore down with his own. There was a loud ringing in his ears as he shook his head trying to clear his vision only then was he aware of the creature lying on top of him.
The hollow reiatsu was strangely gone. In its place was a very warm, soft body that was breathing hard. Hollows were neither warm nor soft so this must have been a human or something else. Judging by the feel of its structure against him it was female. However he did not let his guard down just yet hollows were rather sneaky creatures after all. Just as he was about to toss the creature on him against the far wall it moved straddling him. Byakuya smelt blood and knew at once it wasn't his but hers. His doubts about the creature been female were confirmed when she spoke.
In hindsight Orihime knew she probably should have listened to that little voice at the back of her head that all but screamed at her that there was definitely someone in the alleyway. She tried to slow down but unfortunately the water puddle beneath her feet had other ideas as she rammed into a hard chest. Her nose connected with something before she heard a sickening crunch just as tears welled up in her eyes. She wanted to scream but she had no more energy to spare on anything except just breathing. She lay sprawled on whoever this was too disorientated to think straight. She knew she needed to move so gathering the last of her strength she managed to sit up. It wasn't her best decision, as it lead to her nose bleeding heavily. Grabbing the handkerchief from her back pocket she proceeded to stop the bleeding while addressing the person beneath her.
'I'm ….s..sorry. Are you hurt ….in anyway?" her voice was muffled by the handkerchief
Byakuya chanted a low level spell lighting up the dark alleyway as he took in the female above him. Burnt orange hair glowed in the dark as he looked up at her and in turn she stared at the white coat now stained with her blood. Understanding dawned on her. Her hair reminded him of that brat Kurosaki Ichigo but he pushed it aside to answer her question. His tone was cold and indifferent as he spoke
"No, however the same cannot be said of you". Orihime inhaled sharply and cringed at her decision. That voice. Crap why him of all people she asked herself.
"Byakuya-san? Oh god I'm so sorry I crashed like that into you then bled all over your shoulder". Orihime managed to shuffle off him before his stern tone froze her.
"How to do know my name?"
Orihime blushed embarrassed by his question and was thankful that the alleyway was not bright enough for him to notice. Just because she could recognize him didn't mean he would know who she is.
"My name is Inoue Orihime. I'm friends with Rukia-chan".
"I see" was all he said as his mind conjured up a picture of a young girl with burnt orange hair and silver eyes smiling and laughing with Rukia. She was a free spirit. Always wearing her heart on her sleeve and speaking her mind. The total opposite of what he is.
Byakuya pushed aside the image and stood up before addressing her
"How badly are you injured?" Orihime sat upright against the wall mentally checking her body before reporting to him the results.
"Just a broken nose, she paused thinking over something before continuing, however I don't think I'll be able to walk I seemed to have lost all feeling in my legs".
"Can you not heal yourself?" Clearly he seemed confused at her answer given her abilities.
"No not this time. I used up a rather large amount of my reiatsu to heal my muscles as I ran to help me run faster. Which would explain why I can't feel my legs but don't worry I'll just call Urahara-san and have him come get me".
In a spilt second she found herself in Byakuya's arms. One arm around her back and the other beneath her knees. Orihime blushed deep red.
"That would be unwise. We are both headed in the same direction and you are injured this is the fastest method".
Orihime could not manage to get any words out as her heart was doing 100 miles per a second. Byakuya pulled Orihime closer as he continued
"I suggest keeping very still and close your eyes".
This Orihime knew she had to respond "H-Hai". Closing her eyes she turned her face slightly towards his chest cradling her broken nose. Byakuya felt her warm breath on his chest, he had to make sure not to injure her futher so he asked a question out of character which would have caused a few eyebrows to arch had it been heard.
"Are you ready?
"Hai Byakuya-san".
In the next second Orihime felt the wind rustle past them and desperetly wanted to open her eyes to see the view however all good things do come to an end as she heard Urahara's voice call out just before everything went black.
Byakuya had just touched down at the Urahara shop when he felt Orihime's reiatsu dropped further. Within seconds the girl was gone from his arms and he felt something tug at his zanpukto but was distracted as he was bombarded with questions most from a screaming orange haired brat. Byakuya ignored Ichigo glancing around he noticed his team was there as well as Ishida Uryuu the Quincy and the big dark man Sado Yastora. He did not dislike Ichigo's friends since both men were quite and spoke only when need be. Which suited him perfectly. Holding up a hand he spoke.
"An unfortunate accident"
Tohiro eye the blood on his shoulder while Renji asked the question.
"Taicho are you injured"
"No"
Byakuya noticed Ichigo move forward still shouting, since his three word answer did not quite answer all their questions, only to be quitened by his 2 friends. Without offering anymore information he addressed the other captain.
"Hitsugaya Taicho we shall meet up back at the Kuchiki compund to discuss futher matters as it would seem Urahara Kisuke is once again the root of a problem".
Sighing heavily Toshiro noded before adding "I'll wait until Orihime is stable before I bring Urahara over". Byakuya simply nodded at this before he shunpo'd off to the compound leaving a baffled set of people in his wake.
Ishida pushed up his glasses on his nose as he arched an eyebrow before asking Toshiro. "Kuchiki compound?
"Yes well since soul society has been frequenting Karakura Town it would seem only logical that we establish a stable base of operations here. As such Kuchiki taicho has set up a compound on the east side of the city."
Ichigo snorted at this before realizing something. "Wait hold up you mean to say that big ass fancy house that they built a year ago on the east side of town is your base now?
Matsumoto answered entusiastically before Toshiro could get a chance to.
"Yeah, cool isn't it. Beats having to crash at someone's place not that Orihime's house is bad but I hate imposing also the compund is super huge so I get my own room. Which means shopping spree" Matsumoto winked squealing at the last bit.
"Matsumoto, Toshiro warned sternly, we are on a mission come let's see if Orihime is awake and alright so we can be on our way"
"Hai Taicho", a very deflated Matsumoto follwed her captian inside the shop.
Orihime looked into the mirror amazed as always Tessai-san was exceptionally good at kido. Her broken nose was all good again. Her face showed no sign of injury.
"Arigatho Tessai-san" Orihime bowed as best as she could while sitting upright.
Tessai was polite as always bowing in return before opening the door to let in Urahara.
"Inoue-san how are you feeling now?"
Orihime was highly embarrassed but pushed past it. "Better thank you. I'm so sorry for causing so much trouble. I was just trying out a new technique and I ended up bleeding all over Byakuya-san" she trailed off feeling ashamed at her actions.
Urahara hid his smile behind his fan as Yoruichi walked into the room and settled in on the opposite side of Orihime.
"Well that's alright I do believe that was a new technique you were training with Yoruichi-san and it's my fault since I was the one who sent you out on such a dangerous mission"
"That's right Kisuke its all ya fault. Orihime-chan was simply helping out. As for Byakuya-bo don't fret I'll handle him. So Orihime-chan how's ya legs? Think ya can walk yet?"
Orihime stood slowly streching her legs before taking a few steps. "Yes all good now" she sighed in relief.
Yoruichi's tone turned serious as she looked pointedly at Urahara "Hitsugaya Taicho wants to see you. Orihime-chan would you like to come along?"
Orihime's head snapped towards the couple now was her chance she could apologize to Byakuya-san "yes"
She really needed to apologise. Meeting Byakuya-san after so long and the first thing she does is knock him to the ground and proceed to bleed all over his haori. She was never going to live past it.
Orihime played back the events in her mind remembering his tone cold yet tinged with a hint of concern maybe it was just he mind playing tricks on her. But he smelt wonderful like sakura blossoms. And not to mention how nice she felt being held by him he was definitly strong and his chest, she held back the urge to sigh out aloud. She was a woman after all so she could appreciate a good physic.
Hearing her name snapped her back to reality as she blinked realizing she was fantisizing about Byakuya with Yoruichi-san and Urahara-san staring at her.
"Inoue-san are you okay" Urahara asked concerned
Orihime held up her hands and smiled, "Ah… Yes I was just woolgathering that's all"
Urahara shared a knowing look with Yoruichi before he smiled wide.
"Well then I guess if you are well to travel we shall be off.
Orihime met her 3 friends outside reassuring them that she was fine and heading with Urahara and Yoruichi to the Kuchiki compund. Ishida polietly declined the offer to accompany them as he had work to do. Whereas Ichigo and Sado joined them as they drove to the Kuchiki compund since neither Orihime or Sado could use Shunpo.
Which left Orihime in the drivers seat, since she needed to exercise her legs, with Yoruichi riding shotgun. Her feet proped on the dashboard and hands folded behind her head as she whistled. Urahara was seated in the back seat scowling since he didn't get the window seat, flanked by Ichigo on the right and Sado on the left. Orihime wanted to laugh they looked like a rag tag bunch of strangers on a road trip. Determined to get this over with Orihime started the jeep and set off.
Orihime stared in awe as they drove through the gates of the Kuchiki compound. The mansion was definitely big alright. Huge metal gates danced around the property cutting off all accesses, setting the compound in a world of its own. Large portions of well-manicured lawns rolled up to meet the three store white marble mansion. Various sized water fountains were beautifully placed around the lawns. The afternoon sun glazed over the mansion making it glow, it all seemed so surreal.
As the jumped out of the jeep and passed under the huge archway a servant met them at the door he spoke quietly to Urahara before ushering them inside the hall. Orihime was amazed at how expensive everything looked, from the various sized paintings decorating the walls to the furniture and carpets. Yes this was definitely Byakuya-san's handy work. He did have good if rather expensive taste in all things. Orihime felt really out of place and uncomfortable. It must have shown on her face as an arm came around he shoulders and she was pulled into Yoruichi's side.
Yoruichi bent down a bit and whispered to Orihime. "I know right. The place is too clean for my taste's makes me wanna track mud all over the carpets. I beat I can leave lil kitty prints all over the place"
Orihime giggled at the image of Yoruichi in her cat form leaving paw prints as she ran all over the carpets. The servants would have a field day. Yoruichi managed to get Orihime to relax as they entered the living room. While she did like nice things Byakuya-bo took it too far at times.
Urahara broke the silence first. "Well then since I doubt this will take very long Inoue-san and Sado-san why don't you two wait here and I'll send for you'll in a bit. Better to get the business out of the way before we get to your part hmmm Inoue-san"
Orihime blushed before nodding and settled down in one of the comfy soft chairs as Sado took the seat across her. Yoruichi, Ichigo and Urahara followed the servant out of the room to meet up with the rest of the soul society team. Orihime rehearsed the apology several times in her head trying to come to a decision about the best and shortest way in which to apologise.
Orihime reached into her pocket for her phone and frowned she knew she carried this morning. She searched her other pocket. Sado noticed and asked
"Inoue whats wrong?"
"I think I dropped my cellphone somewhere during all the commotion"
"Hmmm any idea at which point you may have dropped it?"
Orihime thought for a moment before responding.
"Not really but I know how to find it mind if I borrowed your phone?"
"Sure, here" Sado walked over to Orihime curious as to what she was going to do.
Orihime typed in an address then her cellphone number and a map showed up with a red blinking dot. She zoomed in narrowing the location.
Curious Sado leaned closer to read out the location.
"Its in the compund" he stated
"Maybe someone found it. I'm guessing Yoruichi-san"
"Mmm should we wait for them or go on ahead"
"I need to make an important call so let's go get it"
"Inoue the red dot is moving let's go before we lose its location"
"Hai Sado-kun" giggling a bit she added "this kind of feels like we're going treasure hunting 'the quest for the lost cellphone'. Sounds cool"
Sado smiled at that since he knew Orihime was nervous about apologizing and this was her way of coping.
"Yes it does Inoue"
Both friends moved quitely from the living room towards the door least they encounter a servant and is forced back to the room.
Byakuya had returned with Renji to the compund and his annoyance meter was high. To think that they made a useless trip to the living world. Renji broke off from him to head to the conference room while he headed to his personal room. Like Soul Society his bedroom in the living world was an exact replica. While most of the mansion was mordenized he chose to keep his the same giving him peace of mind as he entered.
He didn't have much time so he settled for washing up his hands, face and changing his haori since it was stained with Inoue Orihime's blood.
His mind played back to her voice in the alleyway. She hadn't channged much in terms of her personality. Always worrying about others before herself. He remembered the time during the war with Muramasa how she had stood infront of them all trying to reason and reach out to the Zanpakuto manifistation. Always reasoning never wanting to use violence. If Rukia had not jumped to her aid Orihime would have been gravely injured or even dead.
He had long ago come to the conclusion that Inoue Orihime was a very different soul from the rest. For no matter how dark things got the darkness never seeped into her as it did the rest of them. He envied that about her. Her optomism knew no bounds.
He was brought out of his musings as a servant knocked at his door before entering with a clean haori. He wasn't quite sure what to do with his stained haori and yet the words were already out of his mouth.
"Do not dispose of it. Have it cleaned up" while blood may have been unsighthly the haori had a fain scent of lilies attached to it.
The servant bowed deeply and responded
"Yes Kuchiki-sama"
Just as he exited his room he felt a cluster of reiatsu entering the compund grounds. He had just enough time to make it to the control room to make sure a clear connection was established to soul society before he headed to the conference room.
Somewhere at the back of his mind he knew Orihime would be among the guests the girl maybe friends with the uncooth brat kurosaki but she indeed did have manners and ettiqutte about her. Which is how he found himself asking one question that always baffled him. "How is it that Orihime could be friends with Kurosaki Ichigo?" While he may have matured his lack of manners never set well with Byakuya.
Exiting the control room he cleared his head and wore his blank expression as he shunpo'd inside the conferenece room. His team was already there before him and he informed them of the set up of communicatoins if this meeting called for it. Five minutes later Yoruichi, Urahara and Ichigo entered the room setteling down around the table.
Toshiro spoke first sending a glare Urahara's way.
"Urahara Kisuke would you care to explain the situation to us all"
Whatever Urahara was about to say died down as another voice sang out.
"Sugar pie honey bun, you know that I love you. I can't help myself I love you and nobody else"
All eyes turned to Urahara as he held up his hands as defence.
"That was not me" Urahara reached into his pocket pulling out his Phone to make sure.
Then it played again
"Sugar pie honey bun you know that I love you"
This time it cut off abruptly. Urahara turned to Yoruichi.
"Yoruichi-san is it your phone?"
"I don't have a phone Kisuke" Yoruichi knew exactly where it was coming from and whose's it was but since the tension was so thick in the room she needed something to help out Kisuke.
"Ichigo" Yoruichi called out
Ichigo snorted as he pulled out his Phone.
"My ringtone does NOT sound like that Yoruichi-san" he frowned thinking for a moment as he added "though I have heard that ringtone before sounds very fimiliar"
All other voices rang out as the song started high pitched, fast and loud.
"Sugar pie honey bun, you know that I love you. I can't help myself I love you and nobody else"
Ichigo covered his ears cringing while Matsumoto did the same. Toshiro screamed out
"Find and stop whatever that is!"
"Ah Kuchiki Taicho its you" Matsumoto called out above the song.
Renji turned towards his Captian smirking.
"Taicho your ringing"
All eyes turned towards Byakuya as Yoruichi and Ichigo burst out laughing.
"Seriously Byakuya just because your zanpakuto is sakura blossoms don't mean you gotta go en put in a girly ringtone" ichigo taunted while still laughing
"Ah Byakuya-bo getting in touch with your feminin side" Yoruichi was hanging on Urahara who was using his fan to hide his huge grin.
Byakuya glared at the rest of the room as he felt his zanpakuto vibrate on his hip. He was pretty pissed off and angry at such a prank, more so at Kurosaki Ichigo for insulting his zanpakuto, just as he reached for his zanpakuto the room doors burst open and everyones attention was pulled towards the loud noise.
Orihime wasn't having any luck navigating the halls with the map so instead she called her phone following the sound. They reached a set of double doors as she pushed them open to take in the room and froze. She called her cellphone again and he eyes danced around the room before finally resting on him.
The last time Orihime saw him there was a boyish hotness to him now stood in its place a hotter man. Gone was his long hair yet the few strands still remained hanging over his face. His hair was shotter now and his hair pieces sat in a line atop his head. His eyes the same shade of grey as her own were mezmerizing, always seeming cold to others but long ago she figured through them he showed all his emotions. The captians haori he used was was still white now sleeveless and lined with gold threads and tassels at his raised collar.
Orihime couldn't help but let the pleased smile spread across her face as she cut the call and strode towards him. Yes in all her years she had never called any man hot. She blushed at the tought. Not even Kurosaki-kun had come close to being hot in her books. She felt butterflies flutter around in her stomach. Orihime had to remind herself why she was there before she made a mess of things. She still had to apologize also.
Byakuya could not believe his eyes as he took in the girl, no women, for the first time.
Long burnt orange hair that always remainded him of the sunset hung losely down the sides of her face. The fringe that once covered her face was now parted from one side. Byakuya immediatly noticed her hairpins were absent which confused him a bit since he couldn't remember ever seeing her without it. Large slate gray eyes surveyed the room before resting upon him and he watched as her full pink lips spread in a huge smile. Something inside Byakuya tightened at her smile. He got a full view of her as she strode towards him. She wore a white shirt with two of the top buttons undone that stuck like a second skin to her chest before flowing down her slim waist and into her caramel coloured shorts. Byuakuya immediately looked to her legs and relaxed as he saw black leggings covered every inch of skin all the way into her runinng shoes. Byakuya looked back up at her face and watched as a blush set in and he had to admit Inoue Orihime had grown into a very beautiful young woman.
He wasn't the only one who though this as he watched. His fukutaicho sized Orihime up and down while smirking. Matsumoto grabbed her captians hand while whispering something in his ear causing him to blush red. Urahara and Yoruichi stood indifferntly while the orange haired brat glared daggers at him. He brought his attention back to Orihime as she stopped infront of him.
Nervously she spoke up pointing to his zanpakuto.
"Um Byakuya-san may I please have my cellphone back"
Byakuya glanced down at his zanpakuto and noticed something heavy hanging from it. Pulling his sword along with its sheath off his hip he held it infront of him.
Orihime grasped her cellphone and tugged slowly as to not snap the string of charms. When that did not work Orihime unconsiouscly reached forward clasping the handle of his zanpakuto and unsheathing it. Byakuya would have protested or even grabbed her wrist to stop her that's if he could. The moment Orihime's hand had touched his sword a bolt of energy rushed through his body lighting every nerve on its way. Byakuya grinded his teeth and clenched his righ hand tight in a effort to stop from gasping out aloud.
In his head Senbonzakura snapped up rearing his attention towards Orihime. They both felt it. His zanpakuto rarly ever took interest in anyone not even Hisana had gotten Senbonzakura's attention. His zanpakuto was emitting too many emotions at once it was overwhelming. Only years of experience helped Byakuya keep his face epressionless as he reeled within.
Orihime was unaware of the reaction as she untangled her charms sheathing the sword once more. She felt a spark of reiatsu as she let go of the sword. Byakuya was confused as he felt his zanpakuto's disappointment as she pulled away. Turning her face upwards she looked at Byakuya and smiled.
"Thank you Byakuya-san"
Byakuya couldn't speak and was thankful as her Phone started ringing again. Orihime looked down and frowned before answering. Her smile faded as her eyes widened in shock. She stiffened and he noticed her bottom lip quivering. Orihime closed her eyes and took a deep breath remembering she needed to stay calm she couldn't get worked up worrying everyone.
She managed to keep her voice from breaking as she spoke to Byakuya.
"Byakuya-san is there somewhere private I could go to finish this call please"
Ichigo looked concerned as he asked "everything okay Inoue?"
"Yeah fine" she gave him a weak smile
Byakuya knew it was far from fine but that was her personal business.
"Follow me" Byakuya led her into his study down the hall.
"Once you're done you may return to the conference room" he told her
Orihime not trusting her voice nodded and headed towards the window opening it she gulped large amounts of air. Replacing the Phone to her ear she asked the dreadful question.
"How did it happen?"
Byakuya stepped outside closing the door just as he heard the question. He was tempted to listen in on her conversation but that would be plain rude now especially for a noble of his standing. So he returned to the conference room.
2 hours later
Byakuya emerged from his seat heading for the door tired and annoyed. Urahara Kisuke had created a device to mask its users reiatsu and turn off all senses of the opponent. Which would explain why he could not read anything from Orihime when she was close enough. Urahara had created them to be help inexperienced Shinigam fight hollows better. Yets his primary target was helping Kurosaki Ichigo detect reiastsu. Byakuya had honestly thought he would be returning home however the call they placed to Soul Society had the So-taicho ordering them to remain in the living world. With a very stern repreimanding towards the former 12th division captian.
It would seem several Menos Grande had invaded Seireitei and while they were taken care of there was a possibility they would also emerge in the living world. They needed to be on the cautious side here. Perhaps this trip was not wasted after all.
Orihime's blood had ran cold when she answered her phone. She couldn't recognise the speaker but that didn't matter as he his next set of words.
"I regret to inform you that your aunt Miyako has passed away"
Her aunt Miyako had become quite dear to her. After Sora had died her aunt had sent her money and in the last 2 years Orihime had gotten around to finally visiting her. She was a lovely old lady. She was the last of any family Orihime had left. Last time they spoke her aunt had been eager to see her. Orihime had asked to leave the room so she could break down without everyone seeing her.
The moment she opened the windows of Byakuya's study she gathered her courage to ask how had it happened. Murdered. The tears flowed as Orihime felt her chest tighten painfully. It was like losing Sora-oniichan all over again. They didn't catch the person who did. Orihime had to concentrate hard on each word said to her. They almost ruled it as sucide since there was no signs of breaking and entering. The rest would be explained to her when she got to Tokyo tomorrow.
Orihime stood frozen at her place by the window. Her eyes were swollen from crying and she felt a nasty headache coming on but she couldn't move an inch. Slowly but surely she was losing the feelings until there was once more a empty hole in her chest. The tears had stop and Orihime wasn't sure if she was in shock or what but she didn't feel anything. Her heart was numb.
The room felt too stuffy suddenly despite the open window. Orihime moved out of the study and headed down to the conference room. They were leaving regardless of whether or not the meeting was done. Orihime pushed open the doors and Byakuya took one look at her and knew she had received bad news. Judging from her swollen eyes, too pale face and red nose she had been crying a lot.
"Thank you Byakuya-san for lending me your study" her tone suprized him. It was cold and dead like a straight forward sentence on a page, devoid of any emotion. He looked into her eyes and noticed her dazed expression.
Yoruichi moved towards Orihime worry written all over her face "Orihime-chan what's wrong"
Orihime turned her deadpan gaze at Yoruichi, "Aunt Miyako was murdered so I have to go to Tokyo tomorrow to identify her body and attend the reading of her will"
Byakuya was surprized at her. When had she learnt she blank out her emotions like that. Was she in shock? Yoruichi had hugged her as she just stood lifeless rooted to her spot. Ichigo moved beside her placing a hand on her shoulder as a sign of support, as Yoruichi stepped back, and for some reason it annnoyed him as well as his zanpakuto.
Yoruichi took charge of the situation by ushering a lifeless Orihime and the rest of the team intow back home. From what Byakuya had heard of their plans as he saw his guests out, Yoruichi would be escourting Orihime to Tokyo despite Ichigo and Sado demanding to go. He had to hand it to Yoruichi one look was enough to silence any more arguing. That seemed to relax him as well. Byakuya headed to his personal chambers to rest and think as the vehicle exited the compund.
The winds blew past the dark entity wildly, seated atop the Tokyo skyline he snarled in satisfaction licking the blood off his claws. Such a sweet trap he had set and it would bare even more sweeter fruit soon. He howled out his words into the dark night
"Death is only the beginning"