Well I finally got around to updating. Sorry its late, had a lot of stuff happening recently. More so than usual… life sucks sometimes.

Ok down to business. Once again I would like to thank everybody who took the time to read, review, favourite and alert chapter 2.

Thank you very much - Yue-to-Sakura, for your honest thoughts :D (And well done for guessing correctly!)

I would like to expand on your comment actually; I do totally agree that Orihime is OOC. I mean don't get me wrong I love Kubo's Orihime. I hope no one minds too much. Poor Orihime, it's my sick and twisted story making her so depressed!

Right sorry, waffling again. Here we go…


The phone cord was wrapped tightly around Orihime's little finger, causing a tingly numbness to spread through her hand. She had been clock watching for the past twenty minutes. 'I'm going to be late again' she thought; but in a way she wanted to be. It had been a while since she had spoken to Urahara.

Orihime agreed and 'ahhed' at appropriate moments; his enthusiasm was overpowering, causing her to feel even more exhausted. As always he started off eagerly recalling all his activities and adventures, the volume and pitch of his voice was deafening.

A shrill scream from the phone caused her to jump, almost dropping the phone.

"A HUGE spider is crawling towards me Orihime! Oh my god! He's out for blood! Save me!"

Orihime laughed loudly as Urahara's girly shrieks increased in volume.

Orihime loved Urahara like a father. He was a very kind man; after helping Orihime recover from the horrific murder of her family he asked if she would like to live with him. She agreed and so he adopted her, she couldn't have asked for a more caring guardian, along with his wife Yoruichi…

It took a while, but eventually Orihime gradually began to feel safe and comfortable. Life in their house was chaotic, loud and fun.

The stream of conversation flowing from Urahara was failing to cease, and her crossed legs were starting to go numb.

So she pushed herself up from the floor with the receiver in one hand testing that the phone wire would stretch far enough for her pacing, and began to walk unsteadily around her apartment, encouraging the blood to circulate through her legs again.

As she walked towards her dresser she smiled at the small collection of photographs she had built up over the years.

One of Orihime's most treasured photographs was of her and Urahara. This was before the war; she must have been around eight years old she thought.

They were at a theme park, and naturally Urahara was desperate to go on the largest rollercoaster in the park. So he dragged poor young Orihime along with him.

The souvenir photograph showed a terrified Urahara, screaming with tears running down his face and clinging desperately to Orihime. While the young Orihime was laughing wildly enjoying the ride, finding the crying man beside her hilarious.

'So how is Kurosaki-Kun?' Urahara said in a suggestive manner. This put an abrupt halt to Orihime's pacing. Urahara knew this question would provoke the red heads defensiveness and a blush to rise in her cheeks like it always did when he asked her.

'The same as usual, everyone is fine Urahara. Why do you have to say it like that?'

'Hmm, I'm just wondering whether or not you've declared your undying love for him. It's been how long now since you've had a crush on him?'

Orihime's tone became cold and distant 'Once again Urahara, I do not have a crush on him. You are so annoying, so would you please shut up before I hang up on you?'

Urahara laughed loudly at the other end of the phone 'Oooh still so defensive and childish when it comes to Kurosaki-kun you little peanut! Ok enough teasing, I'm sorry.'

'Good' Orihime sighed; causing Urahara to chuckle once more.

'So I'm sending you something special for your birthday, I'm sorry I won't be there again peanut. I will make it up to you when I come back.' His voice had become very serious and melancholy, Orihime hated hearing his voice sound like that.

'Don't worry, I understand. Please be careful and come back home as soon as you can, I miss you. Still no new leads on the search?'

Urahara sighed deeply again. 'No nothing yet… But I can't give up on her.'

Yoruichi…

Orihime was having trouble to swallow the lump in her throat that always formed when she thought of Yoruichi. It was hard to believe that nearly ten years had passed since she disappeared.

'I know, of course you cant.' She said in a strained voice.

Living with Urahara and Yoruichi were the best years of her young life. Both were equally loud and crazy, and neither of them allowed the young Orihime to suffer alone in depression.

Yoruichi became one of Orihime's closest friends, her loud extrovert ways always made Orihime laugh. Her skills in self-defence and combat were second to none, so mush so that once the war began she became one of the original Shinigamis' along with Urahara. Orihime greatly admired her. No matter how busy Yoruichi was, she still found the time to train and play with her young niece.

Then one day she disappeared.

A routine reconnaissance mission had become a bloodbath. The Shingami were greatly outnumbered by both Hollows and Arrancar.

Yoruichi's body was never recovered.

Urahara neither grieved nor wept for his wife, he knew that she was alive out there and he would find her.

So along with his close friend Tessai, he set off searching through enemy territory and the handful of human strongholds remaining, looking for Yoruichi.

Orihime continuously feared for his safety. Although she knew he was very strong and had seen him fight many times before. That didn't stop her from worrying about him and Tessai.

This was almost ten years ago now; Orihime was barely eleven years old when it happened. Urahara wouldn't be gone for long at first, but as Orihime got older he went away for days, weeks, and eventually months at a time. Leaving her in the care of his friend and former Shingami, Isshin Kurosaki and his children.

'I will find her Orihime, I'll bring her home.' Urahara's voice was firm and confident, Orihime couldn't understand how his resolve seemed to become stronger with every search rather than weaker.

'I know you will' she believed in Urahara, he would find her. But there was always that thought at the back of her mind – What if all he would find was her rotting corpse?

She didn't know if Urahara had ever considered this or what his reaction would be. One thing was certain, he would never be the same again.

Another scream from the other end of the phone caused Orihime to jump and bash her foot on the dresser.

'Oh no, please someone help me! The spider has called in reinforcements Orihime! Where the hell are you Tessai!' Orihime winced, rubbing her sore foot as he continued to scream for Tessai to come and save him.

Orihime giggled as she heard Tessai's deep voice in the background. It sounded like he was chastising Urahara for his behaviour.

'Oh Tessai you are so brave! He picked them up with his bare hands Orihime! Ok, I have to get going now peanut! You be a good girl now and continue studying hard, remember to eat well and take your medication. Don't do anything unnecessary and draw attention to yourself please, I know you want to help everyone but promise that you will be… discreet.'

'I know Urahara, I always am. You don't have to worry about me, please be careful and say hello to Tessai for me.'

'I will, see you soon. Ohh and I will call you on your birthday! Love you! Take care, bye bye!'

'Bye…'

Urahara's bright and cheery disposition was infectious; Orihime could feel the smile on her face grow wider throughout their conversation.

It did get pretty lonely living on her own sometimes, without Urahara, Yoruichi and Tatsuki around anymore. However she wasn't alone, she had Ichigo and his family, and her other friends who cared about her in Karakura.

A quick glance at her alarm clock told her she was running thirty minutes late. The lecture and seminars would be starting soon.

So she shoved some food, books and money in her bag. Put on her coat and shoes, while running around the apartment making sure she had everything she needed.

With one final look around in case she was forgetting something, she put her bag on her shoulder and rushed out of her apartment. Locking the door behind her.

Karakura University was a twenty minute walk away from Orihime's apartment. Fifthteen if she rushed and jogged a little.

Today however she was not in a jogging mood so she took her time. Although she was nervously anticipating the lecture she would receive from Professor Unohana for being late again. You would expect someone who hardly slept to be on time for lessons.

Soldiers with guns slung around their necks, or swords strapped to their hips were practically stationed at the corner of every street. The threat of a Hollow or worse Arrancar attack was still very high despite the enforcement of Shingami.

Orihime felt anxious rather than safe from their constant presence. It was a reminder of the danger out there, the world would never be as it once was.

The career options for young people were limited and centered around the war.

As Orihime walked past her favourite bakery she thought of Tatsuki, they often would often buy sweet treats from the bakery on a Friday after school. Orihime still couldn't believe that her best friend had signed up to become a soldier as soon as she turned eighteen.

The majority of her friends had followed Tatsuki's lead.

Ichigo and Rukia had even surpassed Tatsuki and were training to become Shingami.

Orihime felt the familiar pain in her chest when she thought of Ichigo, she knew he was infatuated with Rukia. But still she couldn't stop herself from caring about him the way she did.

She sighed deeply as she crossed the street, looking in both directions for approaching cars.

Orihime had already endured enough pain and suffering in her youth. Her views surrounding fighting and violence were very strong, so much so she became a pacifist.

Thus the life of a soldier was not for her.

Helping those less fortunate than herself was more her calling. At present she was training to become a healer at Karakura University under the tutelage of renowned healer Unohana Retsu.

She was a brilliant teacher, Orihime greatly admired her strength. Although Unohana was a powerful and capable Shingami captain, she had a great talent in healing and would resort to violence as the very last option.

The wail of sirens erupted from nearby speakers on the walls of buildings. Startling Orihime and breaking her train of thought.

The few citizens walking the streets scattered in panic, seeking refuge in the nearest shop or home.

Orihime sought to do the same as soldiers readied themselves for attack while shouting tactics at each other.

Panic was surging through Orihime's veins as she ran towards an abandoned café. She tugged on the handle, it was firmly locked. A soldier nearby noticed her distress and came to her aid.

'Stand back, I'm going to smash the window in.'

Orihime obliged as the soldier used the butt of his riffle to smash open one of the windows.

'Thank you' Orihime said shakily as she climbed inside, being careful not to cut herself on any remaining shards.

The soldier nodded whilst adjusting his helmet. 'Stay hidden, don't come out until we say so. Understand?'

Orihime's nodded, eyes wide as she lowered herself under a table close to a hole in the wall about the size of her clenched fist.

'It's happening again' she thought trembling as she peeked through the hole and watched the soldier run off to join his comrades.

But this time Urahara would not be here to save her.

Her breathing was fast becoming erratic; a panic attack was threatening to take control of her body.

'Calm down, calm down' she muttered to herself as clasped her knees to her chest. The distant sound of gun fire was gradually getting closer and louder.

Her nightmares were coming to life.

The soldiers formed a line at the end of the street, weapons raised whilst scanning the area. Ready to face whatever was coming.

An eerie silence crept in as the gunfire suddenly stopped.

The hairs on the back of Orihime's neck stood up as the roar of hollows exploded from above.

'Where are the Shingami?' Orihime screamed in her head as she took in the terrified expressions on the soldiers faces. Who were now breaking formation, trudging around aimlessly pointing their weapons in every direction.

Suddenly a soldier standing close to Orihime's hiding place disappeared, he was thrown into a wall on the other side of the street by an invisible entity.

No, not invisible. Hollows were extremely fast, if Orihime had blinked she wouldn't have seen the monstrous demon appear.

It was a Gillian, they had great power and ability even though they were the lowest level of hollow.

Its teeth glistened red with blood as did its sharp claws, it was hard to believe that these things were once human.

The Gillians' huge, panting frame dominated the street. It seemed like it was observing the human soldiers, deciding whether or not they were worth killing.

The soldiers tensed as an ear-splitting screech escaped from the creature's mouth.

Orihime was trying to muffle her sobs as she stared through the hole in the wall at the beast, which was only five metres away from her.

She thought it looked like it was sniffing the air. It seemed to enjoy whatever it could smell, most likely the blood and fear of the soldiers… and her.

Then suddenly it pounced, brutally ravaging the surrounding soldiers.

They tried to defend themselves, some ran away screaming aiming to retreat to safety. But the creature let none escape.

It swiped its claws through the air, ripping through the soldiers like they were butter. Their blood sprayed everywhere, causing an effect similar to rain. The Gillian paused and raised its arms, opening its mouth to savour the blood spray surrounding it.

Tears fell from Orihime's eyes as she witnessed the brutality before her. It truly was a creature from hell.

The screams eventually stopped as the last of the soldiers fell to the floor.

The creature wasted no time in devouring the mangled remains before it. Draining the blood from the throats, arms and torso's of each individual. Whilst Then proceeding to bite into flesh and limbs, eating whatever part of the soldiers it could.

Orihime was desperately trying to hold in every breath, trying to make as little noise as possible. As she knew it would eventually find her.

Running out of her hiding place now was not an option, it would kill her in an instant. But there was no way she could evade it, the creatures senses where far more superior to hers.

She would not escape death a second time.

The creature was still working its way through the soldiers when its head suddenly snapped up and turned to her direction.

'This is it' Orihime thought miserably as the creature stared at the half of her face that wasn't hidden by the wall. There was no point hiding now.

Orihime tensed waiting for the creature to charge towards her.

However it stayed firmly rooted to the spot. It wasn't moving at all.

It continued to stare at her, but made no attempt to attack.

Orihime made no attempt to move fearing it would provoke the monster.

Silence…

The creature then did something very strange, it began to back away from Orihime. It crept backwards and retreated leaving the scene.

Orihime was in shock, 'why did it leave?' She stayed immobile in her hiding place for a good twenty minutes before she plucked up the courage to try and leave.

She exited the café through the broken window and surveyed the horror before her.

Blood coated every car and building, it was very much like last time.

She swallowed the bile that was rising in her throat as she cautiously walked through the scene. A small cough caused her to scream and whirl around looking for the source.

It was the soldier who had helped her earlier, sprawled across a parked car, barely clinging to life.

Orihime rushed over and assessed his condition, both of his legs had been ripped off and his torso had been slashed repeatedly by the creature's claws. It was horrendous.

Every shallow breath the soldier took must have caused him extreme pain judging by the expression on his face.

Orihime took one of his hands in hers and looked at him with sorrowful eyes.

'There is no other option, I'm going to have to do it' she whispered to him as the light in his eyes continued to fade.

She looked around her, ensuring the creature had definitely left and that there were only the empty, dead eyes of the soldiers watching her. She couldn't let anyone else see her do this. Urahara made her promise him she wouldn't.

Orihime took one last look at the soldier as she closed her eyes and cradled his injured hand in both of hers.

A warm orange shield gradually formed around the dying soldier, healing his wounds and creating new limbs from the stumps that remained. Orihime's face scrunched up in concentration as she used her incredible ability to heal the man before her.

When healing others she could feel their pain as strong as if it was her own. Orihime slumped against the car as his pain enveloped her body. She didn't open her eyes until she felt his pain subdue, heart rate increase and his breathing return to normal. The soldier was completely healed.

His uniform was torn and blood stained, but he was didn't have a scratch on him.

Orihime opened her eyes and smiled as she looked upon the soldier. He was breathing deeply and appeared to be sleeping. She looked away from him at his comrades, they were beyond her help.

Shouts and voices were fast approaching the scene. 'He will be safe', Orihime thought as she looked at his sleeping form one last time before fleeing.

Orihime ran and continued running away from her nightmares which were once more becoming reality…

Through out the ordeal, she had failed to notice the glowing pair of emerald and azure eyes watching her from a dark alleyway across the street from where the soldier lay.

Both had witnessed everything that had taken place.

'So is that her?' azure eyes grunted to emerald.

'Yes… that's the woman.'


Ta Dah! Finally it's done! I updated! Ok so a lot has happened in this chapter, and there are a few plot holes that will be answered in following chapters.

What did you think?

Will aim to update as soon as I can. The narrative is progressing in my mind so might update sooner than you expect ;) x x x