(A/N) Slave driving my Editor, even though his so sick, to get the chapters out soon.

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N.B: check out my second new story. Its not related to bleach though. Its a spin on the classic Beauty and the Beast.

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Chapter 4: Shattered Home

Orihime walked confidently into the conference room and was greeted by a tense atmosphere. Byakuya sat at the far end of the table with Toshiro to his right and Renji sat to his left. Toshiro glared past her at Rangiku while Byakuya's face remained expressionless. His eyes were downcast burning a hole in the table. Orihime had no way of knowing what he was thinking but if she had to take a guess, she was sure he was beyond angry at her. Despite her current problem she had to admit Byakuya-san still looked so very handsome. Gosh she thought as she shook her head what was going on with her?.

Orihime walked past the men and threw open the large double windows letting the cool evening breeze wash over her. She took in a deep breath as she decided to address both Captains at once. She sat across from Toshiro, Byakuya and Renji with Rangiku to her right. She kept her voice calm and controlled.

"Kuchiki Taicho, Hitsugaya Taicho before anything is said I would like to clarify some things. Since I am not a Shinigami, I am allowed some leeway if I am to be housed at the Kuchiki compound until Yoruichi-san returns. For not adhering to the rules I apologize. I did leave a message with Abarai-san explaining my absence. It has been a rather eventful couple days and I needed to assure my friends that I was okay. Therefore while it may have been both Abarai-san and Rangiku-san's duty to make sure I remain on the grounds. It was at my behest that they let me leave, however, I was not alone and I do not see the need for either of them to be reprimanded in any way."

Orihime's words stunned the room. Toshiro, Rangiku and Renji stared at her in surprise while Byakuya simply looked at her blankly. Byakuya hadn't seen Orihime this morning so now looking at her was a terrible mistake. He could feel his anger intensify for her lack of concern for her own safety. A night's sleep had done her wonders. Her skin had gained back its healthy glow and the dark circles around her eyes had completely disappeared. She was beautiful. Like a ray of sunshine, vibrant and full of life. He needed to be careful of her. She sat with an air of confidence as if she was sure things would go her way.

Orihime looked into his eyes and knew she had ticked off Kuchiki Byakuya. He was used to order and she had turned his plans upside down. He was the one who gave orders. He would not take them from a mere human such as her. Orihime had to make a choice as her 'flight or fight' response kicked in, her body said fight and she was complying.

Her words had caused Byakuya to lose his train of thought and he just stared at her. He was beyond angry right now. Did she honestly not realize the danger she was in. How was he to do his duty if she planned to defy him? What was she thinking?

"Indeed, you are not a Shinigami therefore you have no say in how division members are to be reprimanded should they fail to carry out their orders." His words were cold and commanding.

Oh Orihime knew a challenge when she saw one and was not backing down from this one. She would not let Rangiku-san get reprimanded for her actions. Her glare remain fixed on Byakuya as she aimed her next words at Toshiro.

"Tell me Hitsugaya Taicho, were Abarai-san and Rangiku-san's orders to physically restrain me if they were unable to verbally inform me not to leave the Kuchiki compound?"

Toshiro was a bit shocked. Was Inoue Orihime going up against Kuchiki Byakuya? Had the 6th division Captain finally met his match in a feisty human? And WHY was he being pulled in between?

"No, they were not ordered to do as such." Toshiro wanted to smile. Yes, she had Kuchiki Taicho on the spot with that and he had just helped her to get him there, Chiksho.

"So, since I was the one who hindered Rangiku-san and Abarai-san from completing their orders, I am to be held responsible. That is considering that a Shinigami can punish a human for interfering in matters which does not concern the human. However this matter does concern me, so where does that leave us then?"

Rangiku and Renji were trying very hard not to smirk at Orihime's words. As for Orihime she was sure she saw Byakuya's jaw clench as he stared directly at her refusing to let this go. Toshiro tried in vain to break the staring competition. The human was weaving a rather dangerous web right now. Who knew what Kuchiki Byakuya would do when he lost his temper.

"Inoue-san that does not change the fact that both fukutaicho disobeyed their orders."

"Then perhaps I should have been informed more properly of the rules rather than just being told not to leave the compound."

Byakuya was amazed yet again at her boldness. She actually had the courage to challenge him. Was she honestly saying he lacked in his duty towards her? However, he would not take the bait. Arguing this out was futile and unimportant they had bigger issues at hand. Byakuya opened his mouth to speak but was beaten to the mark by her. Orihime waved her dismissing the topic.

"Then I believe that settles it Hitsugaya Taicho, Kuchiki Taicho. We have other things to discuss right now"

"I'm afraid you cannot make such a decision Inoue-san, Toshiro pointed out, but for now we'll set aside the matter to address other more important issues."

"What exactly were their orders Hitsugaya Taicho?" Orihime asked ignoring his dismissal of the problem.

Toshiro resisted the urge to sigh, this woman was really persistent. He couldn't help but feel somehow it was the result of befriending Matsumoto.

"Their orders were to make sure that you do not leave the compound."

"I see, well then in order to make sure I continue to remain here at the compound I ask that this issue be dropped or I'll take my security into my own hands regardless of what may occur."

Byakuya had had enough of her foolishness. "If that is to be a threat it is futile. The matter will be addressed later on. We have other issues at hand right now." Byakuya intervened trying to gain back control over the situation.

Orihime really didn't like his tone so she pushed back her chair and headed for the door. She was done being pushed around and tossed aside as if her own decision in the matter was not needed. For some reason she felt on edge and it frustrated her. All she wanted was a moment to think clearly. This meeting wasn't helping her current condition she needed comfort even if it was risky. If it meant confining her to be safe then she didn't want to be safe. Rangiku was immediately on her feet in front of Orihime. This had gone a bit too far.

Rangiku gently placed her hands on Orihime's shoulders. "Orihime-chan its okay, I was negligent. Its safer here for you. Please, stay."

Orihime sighed absently rubbing her chest. "I know. I'm sorry Rangiku-san but I got you into all of this."

"And I should have known better than to put you at risk."

"But you..."

Rangiku rushed ahead cutting her off

"But nothing. I'm at fault so leave it be."

"Rangiku-san..."

Rangiku leaned forward to whisper her next words. "Reprimanding is just for show, my Taicho doesn't really punish me Orihime-chan so don't worry so much."

"And yet that makes me more worried."

"Though I must say you have guts going up against Kuchiki Taicho." Rangiku winked,"That was amazing."

Orihime blushed embarrassed at her behavior. Her rash actions would be the death of her.

"Come on. Let's get to the good parts." Rangiku walked past her. Orihime reluctantly followed not daring to look at Byakuya.

Byakuya would have restrained her if need be but that would only have made matters worse. The woman held onto her emotions too tightly. Which made her persistent. She was also smart in how she played her cards and equally stubborn. And for that he admired her despite his displeasure.

At one moment she was arguing and the next she was taking drastic measures as if she had the authority to do so. The woman was testing his patience. He sighed inwards as much as he would like to remind her of her place he needed to keep a clear head and not get baited in by her. Though something seemed off about her this evening something that had senbonzakura on high alert.

He watched the two women converse before they both headed back towards the table. Orihime didn't look at him her eyes were downcast. She abruptly stopped to stare out the window her brow creasing in confusion.

Orihime's eyes snapped up as she felt the reiatsu move. Her eyes stared out the open windows into the night. She was momentarily confused and then her eyes widened as her calm facade fell.

The uneasiness was there just a dull ache at first but it steadily grew as the day went on. She learnt early on in life how to hide her pain with a smile and bubbly behavior. It got worse as evening came to pass. There was now a physical pain in her chest. Was this what heart attacks felt like? She thought. No her heart was fine this was something else and it scared her. Not knowing really scared her and right this moment she felt utterly alone.

Byakuya took in Orihime's shocked expression and he looked out the window searching for any sign of danger. The night was still and quite. He expanded his search and it hit something he moved back his chair and stood up trying to determine what he had felt. He looked back at her. The other Shinigami within the room were equally baffled and instantly on their feet as well.

Orihime closed her eyes and inhaled sharply as the pain tore through her chest. Instantly she knew what the pain meant. She was losing her final connection to her life. Her memories surfaced as tears ran down her face. She needed to let go or everything would be lost. When she opened her eyes next her blurry vision showed her the faces of the Shinigami, confused and concerned.

"Orihime-chan what's wrong?" Rangiku asked moving out of her chair.

At some point she had backed away against the wall. She couldn't catch her breath. Her chest heaved the pain was intense as she clutched her chest in a futile attempt to stop it. The ground beneath their feet trembled as a heavy sickeningly dark reiatsu passed over them.

She locked eyes with Byakuya pleading something only their soul's knew, Byakuya understood her without really understanding himself. For the part of him that knew the truth couldn't remember to tell it. In a heartbeat moment it snapped into place sealing everyone's fate.

In the vast darkness where nothing lived and nothing died. Where silence was King and not even the winds dared tread through his kingdom a strange thing had happened. The lone figure felt his seal pulse, it was a tiny spark and he knew that soon enough he would be free. He would obtain his prize and they would pay with their lives. He would paint the world in a wonderful shade of crimson just as he had done once before.

At the back of his mind Byakuya knew what he had to do. He grabbed Orihime and shunpo'd out of the room straight to her house. They landed a safe distance from her home when Orihime pushed away from him stumbling before falling on all fours on the ground, her hair shrouding her face like a curtain. She was still. Orihime ground her teeth together trying to contain the raging pain within her but failed as a scream was torn from her throat.

Everything was quite for a moment before she screamed a long piercing sound that tore through the still night and then silence once more. Orihime stood on shaky legs as she looked at him. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched her chest.

"D-don"t ...let... him t-take it ...Byakuya, please." she pleaded her voice raw and pained. Her heart was breaking, tears flowed non-stop. Byakuya went into autopilot as he drew his zanpakuto and embedded it in Orihime's abdomen. They both fell to their knees. His left arm encircled her back resting his open palm between her shoulder blades pulling her closer to him. Orihime spat out a mouthful of blood on the shoulder of his hoari as her own arms locked behind his neck in a hug she held on for dear life as he whispered into her ear.

"Way of release no.45 Severing Bond"

Orange chains appeared all over Orihime, the links snapping and breaking. A white column of light descended on the demolished house and a second column on Byakuya and Orihime. Thousands of volts of raw energy rained down settling deep within them building up.

It was like her soul was being split apart slowly while something else was forcing its way into her. She screwed her eyes shut and screamed out unable to stop the pain as it flowed freely inside her like it belonged there. She didn't know how much she could contain and gradually the pain reduced and her screams died down. Orihime had let go of Byakuya at this point her head rested on his shoulder. Byakuya held her limp figure against him as she panted.

Orihime gasped for air as the energy sizzled like adrenaline powering her up. Byakuya didn't show it on his face but for some reason he was brimming with power. Almost like someone had transferred a rather large amount of reiatsu directly into him.

The group of people that arrived stood by too frozen and confused to understand what to do next. Toshiro, Rangiku and Renji held their drawn zanpakuto's, a furious squirming Ichigo was held down by Urahara and Tessai. Ishida held back Karin from running to Orihime's side. He was too baffled to intervene least he made a mistake. Sado was conflicted on whether to help free Ichigo so that they could save Inoue or wait. Ichigo was breaking free and still shouting his curses.

"Chiksho, let go! let go! I need to save Inoue!"

Ichigo didn't care. Byakuya had stabbed Orihime and he was going to die. He needed to save her she was hurting again like she did back with Aizen. He would not let her relive that again.

"Let go. She needs help. Damn it, why won't any of you help her?"

Someone pounced on his back keeping him secure on the ground and he turned his head as much as possible to shout at the idiot.

"Ichigo listen ya cannot intefer. Byakuya-boi isn't hurting Orihime. Just, wait...". Her voice rose as she spoke loud enough for all to hear. Years of experience thought Yoruichi that Byakuya always had a good explanation for his actions. He was a noble warrior after all therefore she really wanted to hear how he would explain all this.

"None of you are to interfere. Stay on your guard. There could be more than one here."

"More than 'one' what?" Toshiro barked out

Yoruichi was glad she made it back just in time as she felt the several spikes of reiatsu. She had a lot to tell them but that would have to wait for now she settled on restraining a certain substitute Shinigami who never seem to use his head to think.

"Hollow." Urahara supplied as something white clashed against Byakuya's zanpakuto.

The creature was covered in white from head to toe. Its arms were pointed like blade tips. The only things that confirmed it was a hollow was the huge hole in the middle of its head where its' eyes should have been beneath that the mask was torn into a make-shift mouth.

Byakuya's reflexes set in as he pulled out his zanpakuto from Orihime, a hiss of pain emitted from her, and blocked the attack from above still holding onto her. Orihime chose that moment to grab the tip of senbonzakura's blade with her bloodied hand. Both Orihime and Byakuya froze on the spot as foreign memories flashed through their minds.

The hollow chuckled revealing the ace up his sleeve. Yes he had delighted in ripping, tearing and even tasting the flesh of one little weak human. His work was a real masterpiece. He reeled in pleasure as he walked the memories with Byakuya and Orihime. That perfect shade of red and that wonderfully aromatic smell of fresh blood, he could smell it again and it was coming from the human below him. It excited him and why should he stop there? The stupid humans were gathering around and he would have a feast. He would kill the male next to her first and keep her for last while he made her watch as he ate her friends.

Orihime was lost as she watched him murder her aunt. Every crack and blow was like a wound to her soul. He had laughed every step of the way enjoying it and it disgusted her. Byakuya was equally disgusted at seeing the memories and was the first to break out when the hollow brought down his other sword like arm clashing it on Senbonzakura. Byakuya held firm onto his zanpakuto

Orihime felt an unknown rage boil up from within her. Hot angry tears rushed out. Her aunts body had been mutilated and it horrified Orihime to know that she could account for each wound as she had seen it all now.

The zanpakuto grew warm and she smiled up at the hollow seeking comfort from the zanpakuto. There are some actions in the world that simply can not be forgiven. Her aunts murder was one of those. After losing so much she was tired of letting things go so easily. Byakuya flared his reiatsu in agreement with his zanpakuto's decision. This hollow needed to die no exceptions and together with Orihime he chanted the spell.

"Way of release no.55 Wrath's return"

The hollow froze in place as he focused on her smile it was the same smile that first captured his Master's attention, that distraction caused him to falter and at point blank range he was hit by raw energy. All he needed was confirmation of her existence and he had it. Electrical bolts shot through every molecule in him, shredding and destroying. Within seconds he was reduced to nothing but ash as he was disintegrated.

Orihime's body went into defense mode as it shoved all her emotions and feelings deep down bringing out her calm facade. Her heart couldn't deal with such an ordeal and the trauma was too much for her mind to process straight. So she tried hard to shut everything down trying to make light of the situation. She focused on something easy. Her voice was raw from screaming

"There goes my favorite dress. I hope I can get all this blood off it. It was a special gift." Her words were strained and sad. Byakuya set his zanpakuto on the ground and placed his free hand over her wound. He regarded her words as he tried to stop the bleeding to the best of his knowledge. Even in such a state she just couldn't keep quite, it worried him. After seeing such things he wondered if she could keep her sanity in check. The group behind him did not approach them so he spoke his mind. He kept his voice soft and low.

"I do believe we can have it fixed," it was his fault after all. His mind was in a state of chaos as he fought to understand how he knew what to do and say. What type of kido had he used? His questions were piling up but no one had answers and yet here he was reassuring the woman he just stabbed that he would have her dress cleaned.

"Byakuya-san" he looked back at her face.

She smiled apologetically. "I'll apologize again later on properly but for now I'm sorry about bleeding all over your hoari yet again and thank you for saving me."

"That was unavoidable. There is much we need to discuss, rest for now." Orihime ignored his words as she pulled his hand away from her wound and he sent her a questioning glance. Her healing shield fell over both of them and then disappeared.

Orihime shifted and Byakuya grabbed his sword off the ground hauling her with him. She leaned heavily against him unable to muster any strength in her legs.

"Time to go explain what happened to the cavalry." Byakuya didn't understand the term so Orihime nodded behind him. He sheated his sword and turned to face the group keeping his hold on her.

"Ichigo I'm going to release ya, however, if ya attack Byakuya ya only going to worry Orihime so suck it up." Yoruichi got off Ichigo

"Inoue, you okay?" Ichigo ignored everyone making his way to Orihime.

"I'm fine Kurosaki-kun." Orihime gave him a weak smile trying to reassure him.

She shared a worried look with Yoruichi before Yoruichi spoke to the group.

"Well since everyone has questions and I have news from Soul Society and orders I suggest everyone return to the Kuchiki compound for a debriefing Hitsugaya Taicho will lead the way"

"Ichigo", Yoruichi called out gaining his attention, "Go on. I'll bring Orihime with me."

Ichigo glared at Byakuya before he reluctantly followed the group. Toshiro nodded and lead the group away.

Orihime gathered up her strength and broke away from Byakuya's hold. He reluctantly let her go. She made a quickly bee-line for her house needing to get an important item.

"It isn't safe" Byakuya reminded her

"Orihime what are you doing? Yoruichi called out

"I just need to get something, one moment" Orihime dug through the fallen house wincing as her abdomen still hurt a bit despite it being healed and finally found the frame, she dusted it off and clutched it to her chest.

She smiled. The double frame was cracked but at least the pictures were fine. She peered down at her smiling brother's face and next to him her sweet aunt. It was only the three of them so Byakuya allowed Orihime a few moments to stare at the picture. Sirens ringing in the distance broke Byakuya's consideration for her.

"Come, we need to leave."

Yoruichi shunpo'd off leaving them behind without a word. Byakuya walked over to Orihime, his hand gently encircling her waist. He was mindful that she had just been wounded. He could smell that nostalgic scent of lilies yet again.

"Hold on", his arms felt like a safety net and Orihime couldn't hold back she burst out crying burying her face into his chest. The pain returned afresh and she didn't know what to do. Byakuya went rigid as he felt her crying into his chest. His grip tightened a bit as the sobs wrecked through her body while he held her letting her cry, but they couldn't remain here so he shunpo'd them at an extremely slow pace towards the compound using a long route. Gradually her sobs died down and stopped all together. Orihime settled against Byakuya and felt the cool night breeze brush past her. She didn't want to think of anything so she turned her face resting her cheek against his chest, letting the breeze cool her face and the soft beating of his heart soothe her ache.

By the time they entered the compound she was calm and collected. Byakuya stopped in front of Renji still keeping his hold on Orihime. She didn't move or say a word.

"Renji inform the guests that we will be joining them shortly."

"Hai, Taicho" Renji nodded. If it was him he definitely wouldn't want to sit through a meeting with bloody clothes. He also noticed how his Taicho held Orihime perhaps there was something there after all. Kuchiki Byakuya was a man who didn't physically interact with anyone but here he was holding on to a human woman. If Renji knew anyone who could melt his Taicho's heart it was Inoue Orihime.

Byakuya shunpo'd them to the third floor and Orihime didn't say a single word as she parted from him and disappeared into her room while he proceeded to his own room. Fifteen minutes later Byakuya and Orihime arrived at the conference room. Orihime sighed, she was beginning to really dislike this room. Byakuya noted that she seemed more collected than before.

Opening the doors she took in the room's occupants. The atmosphere was super tense just like earlier on. Ichigo was seething with anger so were her other friends but not as much as Ichigo. She didn't know where to sit so she walked over to the windows and opened it.

Byakuya noticed each time Orihime entered the conference room she always opened the windows. Which was smart given how no one else was wise enough to let in fresh air,especially in such a situation. Byakuya took the seat nearest to the window while Orihime came around and sat on his left. His zanpakuto sent a spark of approval at her choice. Orihime must have noticed as her eyes traveled to his sword lingered a moment before she smiled and looked towards Yoruichi nodding.

"Perhaps we should start at the beginning Yoruichi-san." Urahara said from behind his fan, equally being able to explain the situation but not wanting to let on more than everyone thought he knew.

Yoruichi hated explanations. She sighed loudly. "Orihime received an heirloom and letter from her late aunt, Miyako. The letter had a clear warning to leave as soon as we received the items and we rushed back to Karakura town with a hollow in tow."

Ishida posed a question here. "Yoruichi-san if you knew a hollow was following why didn't you take care of it?"

"Because", Orihime answered, "The reiatsu that it emitted was not of a hollow, Shinigami or anything we encountered before. It just felt large and empty. Once we left Tokyo we didn't feel it until we reached Karakura Town."

"It seemed really good at hiding its reiatsu." Yoruichi said. And stopped short, "so you knew it was there Orihime? Why didn't you say something?"

"I'm sorry Yoruichi-san. After I lost its signal I got occupied with other things." Orihime was embarrassed at her error.

"That's okay. I know you weren't in a clear state of mind. I'm not blaming you." Yoruichi said gently.

"It is, however, my fault for not informing you of its location afterwards." Orihime stated guiltily

"What do you mean?" Toshiro asked in place of Yoruichi clearly confused.

Orihime bit her bottom lip she was in so much trouble now. She took a deep breath before telling them the truth.

"My original reason for leaving the compound was to spend time with my friends, however, the second reason was to locate the hollow."

"WHAT?!" screamed several voices at once. Orihime winced at the intensity of anger from everyone. Orihime looked at Byakuya and he just stared at her blankly. However, see could see the faint trace of disapproval in his eyes.

"INOUE, since when do you put yourself in danger by going out looking for hollows?" Ichigo asked between clenched teeth. He tried not to direct his anger at her but it was hard. He always watched out for her making sure she was safe and now this shit has to happen.

"Orihime do you realize ya could have gotten attacked by it. I agree with Ichigo. You put yourself in danger." Yoruichi was furious at the girl. Orihime held up hands defensively.

"Please, let me explain" she took a deep breath and continued. Her eyes pleaded with Kurosaki-kun for him to understand her.

"Actually Yoruichi-san it had remained at the centre of town from the time we arrived and only moved to my house this evening. I don't think it ever intended on killing me." Orihime answered in a small voice.

"What do mean it had no intention of killing you Orihime-san. How would you explain it attacking you tonight then?" Urahara asked curious about her theory.

"Yeah Inoue what the hell was that all about?" Ichigo interjected directing a glare at Byakuya.

Orihime turned to Byakuya he knew exactly how and she was thankful when he spoke up.

"The hollow had attacked me not her. She just happened to be within my proximity at the time. Had I not pulled out my zanpakuto his attack would have cut through me without ever touching her." Orihime cringed at his words. She did not want to have to picture that.

Yoruichi and Urahara shared a look as Rangiku spoke.

"That was reckless Orihime-chan using me like that." Rangiku pouted faking her hurt.

Orihime was about to apologize but a wink and bright smile from Rangiku told her the blond was just joking. Orihime relaxed.

Yoruichi closed her eyes and sighed. She wanted this over with, so she pulled out the letter and opened it.

" Alright listen up this is the last time I'll read this letter hold all questions till I'm done." Yoruichi read the letter and the emotions in the room were off the charts. It did nothing to dampen Ichigo's anger. He was seconds away from stabbing Byakuya with his zanpakuto. Just as Yoruichi finished the letter Ichigo spoke up.

"So we are just suppose to hand over Inoue to the all great Kuchiki Byakuya whose suppose to keep her safe. And yet he is the one that stabbed her tonight. Looks like we should be protecting her from you, Byakuya." Ichigo's reiatsu spiked as he drew his zanpakuto ready to launch himself across the table at Byakuya.

Byakuya placed a hand on his zanpakuto intending to draw it, yet a smaller hand was placed over his staying his hand. He looked down at his hand briefly still keeping his full attention on Ichigo. Orihime's voice was controlled in a commanding way.

"Kurosaki-kun kindly put away Zangetsu-kun. We are in the middle of explaining things. Please calm down and be patient." Orihime didn't let go of Byakuya's hand just yet.

Ichigo replaced his zanpakuto on his back before leaning against the wall again. His eyes were closed so Orihime knew he was trying to calm himself for her. She reluctantly pulled her hand away and Byakuya let go of his sword.

"Now then, Yoruichi-san what did the So-taicho have to say?" Orihime asked ready to hurry things along

"Funny thing is Soul Society did try to contact us but they couldn't reach us just as we tried to do so. I think the hollow jammed the signals. As for the So-taicho all he said was that you were to be escorted to Soul Society immediately. So, without further adieu we leave as soon as this meeting is over."

"Inoue are you okay with that?" Sado asked. He was like a older brother always asking what she wanted.

"Yes Sado-kun it's..."

Orihime was cut off by Ichigo "No way! You're not going to Soul Society alone."

"Kurosaki-san perhaps you should let Orihime-san finish what she was saying." Urahara added.

"Indeed, its not your decision to make and to be blunt Inoue doesn't have a choice in the matter. Its a direct order from the So-taicho." Toshiro added on Urahara's heels.

Ichigo ignored him and looked to Orihime. "Its not only safer this way Kurosaki-kun. I also need answers that only the So-taicho can give me."

"Fine, but we're coming with you" Ichigo insisted

"Kurosaki Ichigo I can not allow that as you are to remain behind and protect Karakura Town in case the hollows attack again and Soul Society is too late to respond." Toshiro pointed out. Ichigo seemed half convinced.

"I'll be fine Kurosaki-kun and I won't be alone." Orihime added reassuring her friends and yet Karin still wanted an explanation with her next words.

"So then why did Kuchiki-taicho stab you Orihime-chan?" Orihime forgot that Karin-chan was sharper than Ichigo and wouldn't let the question go.

"In all honesty Karin-chan had Byakuya-san not stabbed me, I may have been dead. He saved my life."

"How?" Ishida asked pushing his glasses back.

She didn't know how all she knew was that he saved her.

"I don't know how Ishida-kun but I do know that Byakuya-san didn't intend to hurt me." Orihime said.

"That's not very convincing Orihime-chan but since you trust him I'll let it go, however, I can't see myself forgiving him just yet and I know neither will Tatsuki-chan", Orihime cringed at the mention of her best friend. Tatsuki-chan was fierce for a human.

"Which is why I'm glad she didn't have to see what we did otherwise it wouldn't have taken long to convince us all into killing Kuchiki Byakuya." Karin's voice was cold in a matter of fact way.

Byakuya looked at her and noted that while her manners for a Kurosaki was good, her wild fire spirit was there. She just handled it better than her brother and he admired her for it. From her words he could tell that she didn't move on impulse like her brother instead she used her fire strategically. He noted her reiatsu was very similar to that of the Quincy Ishida Uryuu's. Her threats meant nothing to him so he ignored it. He could tolerate her even though he knew she wouldn't match up to his level of power. Ichigo smirked in the corner happy with his sister's threat aimed at Byakuya.

"Are there anymore questions?" Toshiro asked

"Yes, what about the book and scroll? Where are they?" Ishida hadn't lost his train of thought and Orihime could see Karin had picked up this trait. Training with Ishida had paid off.

"That is not up for discussion", Toshiro answered, "Now any other questions?"

The next question was aimed at Orihime."Orihime when was the last time you ate?"

Orihime's head snapped to face Yoruichi and she winced Yoruichi had been keeping track of her and she was in for scolding. Rangiku came to her rescue but the answer was dreadful.

"Around 4:30 pm I guess. We had a snack after shopping today."

"Orihime its 11 pm and you missed dinner so we will eat before we leave." Yoruichi told her. She nodded not about to say no.

"As for the rest of ya, go home. Byakuya-boi, a word." Yoruichi inclined her head towards the door. Byakuya followed her out.

Outside the room Yoruichi related her message in a low voice. "So-taicho wants ya to use the Kuchiki gates to transport us."

He nodded. He knew it was much safer and quicker. Yoruichi had a worried expression as she told Byakuya her next reason.

"Also the last time Orihime passed through those gates she ended up with Aizen. Her fear is still present after all this time and I don't think she would want to remember that bit"

Byakuya knew how things turned out for her back then. She was younger and more vulnerable and it irked him that Aizen sought to prey upon her innocence in such a way. Yoruichi turned back and shouted into the room for Orihime to follow her to dinner. She didn't miss how his reiatsu spiked a tiny bit when she mentioned Orihime's fear.

Orihime had some time to see off her friends and reminded Sado to tell Tatsuki everything and as a back up plan made sure Karin would reassure Tatsuki not to follow her to Soul Society. They wanted to come back to see her off but Orihime refused to let them do so.

Her friends left and after a 20 minute dinner she was waiting on the back lawn with her suitcases. In the back garden of the estate Byakuya removed his zanpakuto and stabbed the air opening the gates to Soul Society.

Orihime was nervous and a bit scared. The last time she went through those gates she had been captured by an Espada. She knew this time was different, however, her fear was still there. So, while Toshiro, Rangiku and Renji went on ahead she remained rooted to her spot unable to move. Her hours of therapy and reassurance that she was safe didn't do anything to make her see reason right now.

The moment Yoruichi felt Orihime's fear she shunpo'd off leaving Byakuya to deal with it. She didn't worry because for some reason she knew he was connected to Orihime. The problem was with fear, if it was out of sight it was out of mind. So what happens when its back insight?

Byakuya resheathed his sword and was about to move ahead after Yoruichi when he felt fear immense emitting from behind him. He turned and looked at Orihime who had her hands clasped so tightly together her knuckles were a deathly white. Just as Yoruichi had told him, she was afraid. And they didn't have much time as it was just him and Orihime there right now. Senbonzakura was restless and Byakuya didn't quite know why. Renji materialized out of the gate breaking the silence.

"Taicho is there a problem?" He asked

"Take the luggage ahead we will follow in a bit." Byakuya answered dismissing Renji.

"Hai Taicho." Renji grabbed Orihime's bags and went through the gate once more.

The cool night air was suddenly disrupted by the fragrance of sweet sakura blossoms. Orihime took several calming breaths before she was sure she could do something as small as walk through the gates. The sakura blossoms she could suddenly smell played a huge part in relaxing her. She straightened her spine and moved towards Byakuya-san.

Byakuya felt his zanpakuto zero in on Orihime as she approached him. He felt Orihime's fear die down the moment he smelled sakura blossoms. He really didn't know how to justify his zanpakuto's actions and now wasn't the time to ponder on such matters. It was dangerous to keep the gates open for long and he didn't want to put Orihime in anymore danger. He gently pulled her to his side wrapping an arm around her waist as her body pressed up against his own. Byakuya was fully aware of how close Orihime was pressed up against him and how she clutched at his hoari. With that last thought in mind he shunpo'd through the open gates.