A/N: Hello everyone! I hope you all have enjoyed the last chapter. From now onwards there'll be a little more deviaton in the story. There's a lot of Ulquihime in this chapter so be ready my dear shippers! Also I'm uploading the story on my Wattpad too, so if you have an account there you can read it on Wattpad too. Since some chapters will contain fanart or music I recommend reading it there too if you prefer. I hope you enjoy, and thanks for reading!

©Bleach and it's characters don't belong to me, they belong to Tire Kubo and Shonen Jump.

Chapter 2: New Life

Just as she did during the fight Orihime could hear the voices of her Shun Shun Rikka telling her what to do. She'd have to recite a new incantation, her power might not be enough but she wouldn't forgive herself if she didn't even try.

She didn't think about anyone or anything else around her. She only ran towards a fading Ulquiorra, pouring every once of her power into what she was going to do.

Without a warning she wrapped her arms around him. The Espada stared in disbelief at her actions. The two of them were about to fall.

"Turn back the sands of time and heal what had been broken. Don't let him go with so many words unspoken. With this heart I seal my vow to protect. Soten Kisshun, I reject!"

The ground began shaking again, still she would not let go. Around them there was only a warm golden light. It shone so brightly that her eyes were tearing up. Orihime could see her power was working, restoring Ulquiorra's broken limbs. She also saw small flash of red, it looked like a silk ribbon

'How strange' she thought. Her mind was growing hazy, using all of her power had left her exhausted. Before blacking out she heard a familiar voice.

"Woman!" Ulquiorra was still holding her. His voice wasn't as as icy as before, it sounded desperate.

She smiled at him sweetly. "Welcome back..." It was all she managed to say before darkness took over.

Orihime awoke in pale hospital room. A white light shine above her, flickering every once in a while.

"Oh good you're awake!" Liutenant Kotetsu's voice startled her. "You're in the Squad 4 barracks. Your friend brought us all back."

"Friend?" Before Isane could answer Orihime felt a cold hand wrapped around her own. When she glanced at to her side she saw Ulquiorra. He was sitting beside her bed, sleeping soundly in his chair. For the first time since they were at the canopy Orihime could look at him clearly. His skin and marks remained the same, but his hollow mask was completely absent.

"You should've seen him! He scared me and Hanataro to death when he dropped out of the sky with you in his arms. He asked us to heal you but we didn't have the supplies, so we had to relocate. He didn't want to move an inch away from you until you were fully healed."

Orihime felt her cheeks grow red. "I think he was just trying to repay me. I saved him back at the top of Hueco Mundo."

"Yes. We are all caught up. Captain Kurotsuchi found Aizen's surveillance room. There was footage of everything that happened... Inoue-San I think you deserve to know before they come."

"Who's coming?"

"Head Captain Yamamoto has requested to meet with you and your Arrancar friend. Apparently Captain Kurotsuchi told him about your deed. He wants to talk to the both of you as soon as he's done with Ichimaru."

Orihime's face lost all color. How she have been so blind? Just because she saved Ulquiorra it didn't mean he'd be forgiven. She didn't want to think about what they do to him. All because of her.

"...Is it over? The war I mean."

Isane nodded. "Kurosaki has won. He's back at the human world. Soon you'll be able to see him."

Orihime tried to hide her sadness. 'They left me behind yet again.' It didn't matter of course. They won the battle without her. They always did, why would this one be any different?

"I'll let you get some rest." Isane stood up and headed towards the door.

"Thank you Kotetsu-San."

Once the lieutenant left, an empty silence took hold of the room. Orihime's mind was a mess by this point. What were they going to do to Ulquiorra? It was her fault he was still alive so if anything she should be the one punished. Still, that didn't ensure his safety either.

"Woman?" His voice made her feel even sadder. "Why do you weep?"

She realized she was crying again. Lately all she did was cry and she was tired of it.

"I'm sorry Ulquiorra. All I wanted was for you to live, but it seems I can't even get that right! I'm so sorry."

"I think you're the only person would ever apologize for saving someone's life." He was still holding onto her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I was ready to die the moment Kurosaki fired that cero at me. I'm aware of what bringing you here would entitle, and I'm willing to face the consequences. You breathed new life into me, and whether it is a short or a long life I shall be forever grateful. Thank you woman."

Words wouldn't come, neither would the tears. Orihime just wrapped her arms around him, one on his back the other on his onyx hair. "I won't let go without a fight."

"I wouldn't expect any less from you."

The door creaked open once again. This time liutenant Sasakibe was there, accompanied by two soldiers.

'Talk about bad timing.' She thought.

Nobody had to tell them anything. Both Orihime and Ulquiorra walked away with the group towards Squad 1.

She didn't know at what point did she and Ulquiorra stared holding hands again. She didn't let go, right now he was all she had left to hold on to.

Soon they were both standing before Head Captain Yamamoto. He motioned for his soldiers to leave, only his liutenant remained.

She decided not speak until she was told to. Fear must've been showing because she started gripping Ulquiorra's a bit harder. The Espada didn't flinch, he continued to hold her hand calmly.

"Orihime Inoue. I suspect you know why I've brought you here."

"Yes, head Captain Yamamoto." Even her voice was cracking.

"Then you must have an explanation for your actions." The head Captain's voice was stern and icy.

Orihime nodded. "If you are referring to the my departure to Hueco Mundo I did that in a moment of desperation, my friends were put in danger so I acted rashly. No one can make me apologize for it, because I don't regret it. I wasn't expecting to be rescued."

She paused, waiting for an answer. When it didn't come she continued. "If you're referring to the fact that I brought an Espada back to life then you won't get me to apologize for that either. I stand by what I did for him. What I'd do for the others. Aizen used them like pawns, and they didn't deserve what happened to them. I stand for their defense. No matter what consequences you think I deserve."

"You're strange one, aren't you?" The head Captain stood. "Very well, If you are so fiercely devoted to the arrancars then I'm willing to offer you a deal."

"What type of deal?" She wasn't liking the tone of his words, but whatever it was she would do it.

"Now that Souske Aizen had been sentenced to Oken he has no hold over the arrancars. If you really have that much faith in them, you shall be their new guardian. Whatever they do from today onwards you'll be directly responsible. Should you refuse we shall exterminate them all."

"I accept." She didn't even need to think about it for a second.

"There's something else. The strongest surviving arrancar shall reside with you at Karakura. If not our deal is not valid."

"My answer it's still yes."

"Then you are dismissed."

Once they were out of Squad 1 barracks Orihime let out a sigh of relief. She was close to falling over.

"You handled that very well." Ulquiorra told her.

"Thanks. I think I had an adrenaline rush, there's no way I could've talked to the head Captain like that under normal circumstances." She smiled. "I'm glad you're safe. How about we go back and tell the others?"

"Sounds good."

When they were out of the Seireitei Ulquiorra opened up a garganta. Orihime felt a sense of deja vu. A month ago she had been in the same position, leaving for Hueco Mundo with Ulquiorra, but now everything had changed. She wasn't even sure she was still the same person.

"Woman?"

"Oh sorry. I got distracted. Let's get going."

They arrived in Las Noches in the blink of an eye. Someone was already waiting for them.

A female arrancar with a blue mohawk was standing by the entrance. She had tan skin and a choker made out of her hollow remains.

"Cuarto! I'm glad you made it back safely." She smiled sweetly at Ulquiorra, then she noticed Orihime. "You must be Inoue Orihime. I'm arrancar 42, Jeanne Dae at your service."

"Nice to meet you Jeanne-San."

"We need to talk to the others urgently. How many survived?"

"Loly and Menoly are alive but out cold. I locked them up in the third floor just in case. Gantenbainne is alive too. He's guarding the medical wing. Nnoitra and Tesla are sleeping, but stable. I think Halibel might not make it."

"Tercera came back?" Ulquiorra asked.

"Yes, however she's gravely injured. All of her fraccion have 3nd degree burns that might worsen overnight."

"Where is the medical wing?" Orihime cut in.

"I'll take you there." Jeanne began walking and the pair quickly followed.

When they arrived Orihime could only smell smoke and blood in the room.

Halibel was out cold in her bed. She had already been bandaged but her bedsheets were stained with blood. Beside her three women with burns were sitting, holding on to her hand.

"Inoue-San!" One of the women addressed her. She had blue hair and her eyes were mismatched.

"Hello. Could you ladies please stay still. I'm going to heal you."

"Please, heal Halibel-Sama first. We'll wait." A green haired arrancar answered.

Orihime nodded. "I'll heal you all at the same time."

'Ayame. Shun'o, Do you guys have enough energy?'

'We're fine! We'll help you heal everyone. Just relax. We've got your back!'

'Thanks guys.'

"Soten Kisshun, I reject!" The entire room was filled with yellow light. In a minute everyone had been fully healed.

"How do you feel?"

"As if it never happened." The green hair girl smiled. "Thank you so much."

"You're welcome. Listen girls could you all come to the throne room once Halibel-Sama awakes. Bring Nnoitra and Tesla too."

"Yes of course. We'll be there shortly."

"So you agreed to take responsibility for our actions? That's very brave of you Inoue-San." Halibel sat at the head of the table, the rest of the arrancar were also there. All eyes were on Orihime.

"I'll be honest I'm not sure it was an act of bravery. I just really didn't want you all to be damned for Aizen's actions."

"With or without Aizen we are damned, but that was pretty badass of you Pet-Sama. Gotta say you looking pretty good right now." Nnoitra licked his lips.

Ulquiorra and Halibel both shot him a glare. "Keep talking Nnoitra and I'll remove your favorite organ, small as it is."

"Tch. You're a moody one. Good thing you're leaving with her."

"Actually I am not."

"The shinigami specifically said the strongest surviving arrancar had to stay with Orihime." Ulquiorra spoke. "You're the strongest out of us."

"I am not. You have a second release that none of us have mastered. You also stood on equal footing with Kurosaki Ichigo. Discarding our numbers you'd technically be the strongest arrancar."

Ulquiorra remained silent for a moment. "If thats the case I'll depart with the woman as soon as possible."

Halibel stood. "Then this meeting is over. I expect everyone to behave according, otherwise they'll be serious consequences. Should any other survivors show up point them directly to me. That is all."

The arrancars left the room just as Halibel dismissed them. She walked over to Orihime and placed her hand on the girl's shoulder.

"I shall make sure they don't do anything reckless. You don't need to worry. Thanks for everything you've done Inoue-San."

"You're welcome."

The female arrancar proceded to hug Orihime. "Take care. Make sure to look after him too." she whispered.

"I will." Orihime reassured her.

As expected Ulquiorra did not pack many things, just his sword and a few clothing items.

"You know I can buy you human clothes. It would be strange if they see you wearing your uniform all the time." Orihime stood at the doorway of his room. It was as simple as she could imagine. White paint, no decorations, only a bed and a wardrobe were there.

"Perhaps, but I don't want to inconvenience you further."

"You are not an inconvenience. If anything I'm actually glad you'll be the one coming home with me."

Ulquiorra stoped packing and looked at Orihime. She had to smile at his slight confusion. "Why would you say so?" he asked, his voice a little calmer than usual.

"When you reached out to me...I could see it, that slight spark of understanding in your eyes. You just begun to comprehend what it was like to be human. So I wanted to save you, to show you all of the great things the human world has to offer. Now I'll be able to." She finished.

Ulquiorra's eyes widened at the explanation. He continued to pack but glanced back at Orihime.

"I'm looking forward to it." Despite Ulquiorra's usual demeanor she could tell he was happy.

Just as Ulquiorra finished packing a small pup ran into the room barking.

"Kukkapuro. Your master isn't here." He told him coldly.

The pup whined and curled up beside Ulquiorra's leg. The arrancar sighed and picked him up. "Yammy is dead. He's not coming back."

The pup wriggled his way out of Ulquiorra's arms. He walked towards Orihime and began to shake his tail.

Orihime picked him up. "Who's this little guy?"

"Yammy's fraccion. He never left his master's side. I believe he must be shaken up after his death."

Orihime began petting the pale pup as he whined and cuddled up to her. "Don't worry buddy. Yammy may not be here, but that doesn't mean you'll be alone. We can take you with us."

The pup's mood immediately brightened. He began licking Orihime's face as she giggled.

"I see he's found you." Halibel's voice could be heard from the hall. "I thought he might've wanted to go with you. Without Yammy I don't think he has much of a reason to stay."

"We'll care for him. The woman has allowed him to join us." Ulquiorra walked away from the room with a suitcase in hand. "I'm done. We can leave."

Orihime nodded. "Then let's go home." She began walking away with Kukkapuro in her arms.

'Home. It really feels that way when she's the one who says it.' Ulquiorra thought.

"Ulquiorra." Halibel's voice somewhat nerveous.

"Yes?"

"She wasn't in the battlefield. How shall we proceed if she returns?"

Ulquiorra almost dropped his suitcase. He knew just who Halibel was referring to. "I don't think she'll return, Aizen's no longer here. If she does, kill her on sight."

"Very well. Good luck." Halibel went away without another word.

Ulquiorra shook his head and walked away towards Orihime. He wasn't if things were going to remain peaceful, but for now he only wanted to be with Orihime. 'Whatever happens. I must take care of her.'

He glanced at her as she walked. Her hair was messy and her white uniform had been torn, but her beauty remained intact. Ever since he first saw her he knew she was a unique human, and that hadn't changed one bit.

"Ulquiorra?" she had caught him looking at her."Is there something on my face? Did Kukkapuro drool on me?"

"No. You look fine. I'm just glad that you're smiling again."

And as if she could read his mind she smiled. Looking like a ray of sunshine in the darkness of the castle. He'd seen her smiling like that before, at Kurosaki, at her friends, at her mentors even at strangers, but this smile was for him only.

'If only I could do the same for you.'

The pair kept waking, both of them anxious to finally leave Las Noches.

Soon they'd be home.