Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach in anyway but am inspired by the work created by Tite Kubo

Author's Note: My apologies for the significant cliff hanger and exceptionally long wait for the next chapter. I hope there are still people interested in this story! My muse has become somewhat comatose and I'd be lying if I didn't admit that part of the reason was due to a very subdued response regarding the revelation of the master. Also, with holiday busyness sapping my strength in addition to a bad back flare up I haven't had time or energy to write which also hinders the muse. I hope this chapter rekindles interested in this story. Thank you to my friends who helped pull me from the depths, you know who you are.

Suddenly There Was You – Chapter 21

By: Bleachfanficfanatic

Stepping out into the barren wasteland of Hueco Mundo Shuuhei shielded his eyes against the glare of the light. Glancing left and right he saw miles upon miles of nothing but waves of sand, their peaks and valleys blending into one white-washed mass the further forward he looked. Beside him stood Uryuu and Chad flanked by Rangiku, Rukia, and Renji. Behind them were Byakuya, Toshiro, Kenpachi, Ikkaku and Yumichika along with Izuru and Isane.

That morning the shinigami, Quincy and Fullbringer had reached the head captain's office explaining the situation briefly after which an emergency meeting had taken place at which a volunteer rescue squad was assembled and dispatched post haste. Now they once again found themselves searching for Orihime in this bleak vastness of space.

A distant hollow roar pulled Hisagi's attention to the north while another to the west garnered that of Byakuya's. All were looking to Hisagi as their leader; his love was missing, he would head the team. Turning to face his motley crew he took a deep breath, "Thank you. Thank you for helping." All nodded solemnly before he continued, "As much as I hate to separate we have a lot of ground to cover and are already a full day behind them. Byakuya," the man met his eyes, "You take Rukia and Renji to the west." The captain nodded as Hisagi went on, "Kenpachi take Ikkaku and Yumichika and head south. Toshiro cover the east with Rangiku and Izuru. Uryuu, Chad, Isane and I will head north."

"What should we do if we need help or find them?" asked Izuru. Meeting his eyes Hisagi replied, "Use the reiatsu flares Urahara provided. They will no doubt attract hollows too but that is the risk we need to take in order to communicate to each other over the distances we will be traveling."

"We can't search for an indefinite amount of time Hisagi-taichou," commented Byakuya, "So I suggest we set a four hour limit after which we regroup here and reassess."

Shuuhei clenched his fist but knew the captain of the sixth was right; if they expelled their energy in searching they'd have nothing left to fight with and all knew it was going to be one hell of a fight. Nodding his agreement he concluded, "Fine, meet back here in four hours. Let's move out!" A moment later they were all in flash step, Uryuu using his Hirenkyaku board to carry both him and Chad.

As they sped along Hisagi reached out with all his senses looking for either the hollow or Orihime's signatures but all there was were random hollows that by now turned their attention to them. Looking below he could see various small hollows following their trail but they weren't powerful enough to become airborne.

"This won't last forever, we're going to run into an opponent at some point," Uryuu remarked. No sooner had the words left his mouth than a huge flying hollow soared up towards them.

"Just had to say some-" Hisagi snapped but he'd not time to finish his comment before a scream of pain signaled the demise of their opponent. "Never mind," muttered the captain increasing his speed as Uryuu lowered his bow. Before long the desolate, demolished ruins of Las Noches appeared in the distance. Minutes later the four individuals landed amongst the rubble splitting off again in different directions to search further.

Rounding a corner Chad was surprised to spy Nemu rooting around in a pile of rubble. Instinctually he fell back, hoping his lowered reiatsu signature had not been picked up by her. "So that's why she wasn't at the meeting today." Craning his neck around the bend he watched as she continued digging in and around the piles of stone and sand, clearly so wrapped up in what she was doing she hadn't noticed him. That or she didn't care. A moment later he saw her lean forward, grasp something in her hand and begin making her way in his direction.

Just as he was about to stop her Uryuu rounded the other corner and unceremoniously called out, "What are you doing here Kurotsuchi?" The woman turned to him, her face completely neutral. Stepping out from his position Chad remarked, "Seems she was looking for something, it's in her hand."

With raised eyebrows Uryuu asked, "What could you possibly want in this desert? Where is Mayuri?"

Still not speaking Nemu pocketed her prize, exchanging it for another item which she punctured before taking off in shunpo over the sands.

"Hisagi, Isane!" shouted Uryuu and the two popped out of the ruins to follow not needing an explanation of his exclamation when their eyes landed on the retreating figure of the twelfth's lieutenant, a cloud of swirling grey emitting in her wake. As they pursued Hisagi noticed a number of Menos and one Gillian appeared blocking their forward progress. Pulling his zanpakuto Shuuhei cleaved through one Menos before calling out, "She released hollow bait! We're going to have lots more company!"

The ninth's captain was proven correct the next minute as hundreds of lesser hollows made their way into the fray, some jumping, some flying, others using their fellow hollows as stepping stones to try to reach the bigger prey while the Menos and Gillians turned their attentions to devouring the lesser hollows. The air filled with the sounds of their screams, some in agony, some in triumph but there were so many the foursome were hindered in their pursuit.

Uryuu finally broke through calling back, "I'll catch her!" but found she was already a speck on the horizon. Moving as fast as he could he closed the distance only to watch as Nemu disappeared through a portal only this time he was able to make it before the opening shut. Unaware he had made it through Nemu had slowed her forward motion causing Uryuu to slam into her, the force knocking the wind out of both of them. They landed heavily on the ground in a wooded area Uryuu on top of her holding her wrists.

"Now, what the hell were you doing there?" he asked breathing heavily. True to form Nemu didn't answer other than to head butt him and pull out from underneath his now bleeding form. "Damn it Nemu," he hollered as she took off again, "Why were you there?!" But she didn't stop. Cursing the Quincy re-engaged his Hirenkyaku and took off after her once more.

Deep in the underground of the secret laboratory Orihime had fallen into a fitful light sleep despite her extremely uncomfortable position. Across the way from her Ichigo watched her, his face softened to one of utter sadness at her condition and knowing his hollow had been the cause of it. Closing his eyes momentarily he leaned his head back, the restraints on his wrists rubbing his flesh raw while his shoulders burned from being stuck in the same position for hours on end.

A slight whimper from the woman caused his eyes to snap open again and he saw she'd woken from her brief nap. "Orihime?" he called and she looked at him. The sad, brokenness in her eyes made his heart ache.

"Kurosaki-kun," she whispered, "What are you doing here? What happened to you?" Swallowing once, then twice he closed his eyes again before regaining her gaze, "I…it's kind of…a long story."

Unbelievably she smiled, faintly but still he could see her lips twitch up in an unmistakable effort to ease his pain despite his abhorrent treatment of her. Taking a deep breath she replied, "I don't think we're going anywhere for a while, Kurosaki-kun." Nodding his head, the resulting pain making him decide to refrain from doing such motions in the future, he coughed out, "Heh, yeah, I guess you're right."

Inhaling deeply he continued, "After I left," here he winced when her countenance fell at the memory of that hellish day, "After I left I went to Tokyo. I just…I needed to get lost in a big city where no one knew me. I…I have no idea what the fuck I was doing, I was just…I was…lost." His words sounded so pathetic in his own ears he didn't want to continue but knew he owed her this. He owed her so much more but at the moment this was the best he could do so determined he would stumble through his shameful story.

"For months I worked odd jobs here and there, mostly keeping to myself just because I was so pissed off," he couldn't look at her while speaking and Orihime felt tears trailing down her cheeks as she listened, "Then one night I noticed a little boy running through the park. It was super late and I was out walking because I couldn't sleep. Anyway, it took me a minute but eventually I realized that he was a soul." Orihime felt her heart leap slightly; what a moment that must have been for him! Then she frowned, "But why didn't he come home then? Why…why did he stay away?"

She couldn't find her voice to ask the question so waited for him to continue. "I…I didn't have my badge of course because I'd left it in Karakura so I couldn't perform a konso for him, not even sure it would have worked with how low my level was." He paused momentarily then rasped out, "He…he was running from a hollow." Orihime gasped making Ichigo finally look at her and the shame in his eyes made her heart hurt.

"I don't know where the hell the local soul reaper was but whoever he or she was didn't make it in time. I…I was just frozen and before I could move again that sick son of a bitch ate him. Kami, it was…it still makes me nauseous. I was so horrified by it all I just took off running." He had tears burning the edges of his eyes but held them at bay. There was silence in the room as Orihime took in how awful of a moment that had been for Ichigo. He was a protector, had been one since his mother died and to have not been able to help…he must have been devastated.

Taking in a shaky breath Ichigo went on, "Days later I felt my hollow stirring around but…something had changed. He…he was even more vicious and feral than before. All he did day and night was scream about his revenge." Orihime's blood ran cold knowing it was her the hollow had been screaming about but Ichigo wouldn't voice that.

"Kurosaki-kun," she said lowly gaining his eyes again, "Why didn't you come home? We…Urahara-san could have helped!" Ichigo didn't reply but his eyes said it all: he'd been too ashamed, too prideful or both to come crawling back after what he'd done. So in typical Ichigo fashion he suffered in silence…alone.

Clearing his throat Ichigo continued, "For days it went on like that and I couldn't get any sleep because of it. Before long I was hallucinating due to lack of sleep and lost my jobs because I either kept making mistakes or nodding off. Eventually I ended up on the streets just trying to survive." Orihime felt more tears falling, both in sadness and frustration. Why did he have to be so prideful? Why did he always think he had to handle everything on his own?

"Eventually I felt him trying to take over, almost always when I'd finally fallen asleep. Tch, the bastard kept me up at all hours of the day and night until he knew I was so weak he could just step into control. So then I was staying awake, using stolen caffeine pills, to keep him at bay. I…kami Orihime I looked like a drug addict."

Sighing he rasped out, "Eventually I couldn't keep it up and fell asleep, more like I fell unconscious because my body couldn't keep it up anymore. I felt him take over but had no strength left to fight him. He took off back towards Karakura but half way there ended up resting in the forest we're currently occupied in. Even though he was in control my body was wiped out and he'd pushed it so hard it just collapsed. That was when Mayuri found him…me…us." Orihime gasped and Ichigo chuckled out a mirthless laugh, "Creepy son of a bitch must have found us unconscious and spirited us back here. When we woke up I was still on the inside but I could hear everything going on."

Clenching his teeth he growled out, "Those stupid bastards, the way they talked about you…I was screaming and yelling, doing everything I could to get out but he was too strong. And then Mayuri started injections of hollow essence which basically put him permanently in the driver's seat. Most of the time I was chained up in my own world, Zangetsu nowhere to be found."

"But," Orihime started as a memory came to the forefront of her mind, "Yuzu said she'd heard from you. That you were safe?" Ichigo huffed, "Mayuri is a crafty bastard. Nemu mimicked my handwriting from samples he had her pick up when she went to get my badge at the house. She used one of those damn full reiatsu blockers, even masked her physical form."

"The hollow must have used one of those when he attacked Shuuhei-kun," Orihime murmured, "That's the only way he'd have gotten so close without him noticing and why I didn't see him moving around the apartment when he…" she trailed off, not wanting to relay to Ichigo about her assault, her wounds evidence enough at what had happened.

After a pause Ichigo regained his story, "Yeah, so after they were able to get my shinigami form out he took off to try to kidnap you. Mayuri was not pleased of his choice in timing and he really got it when he got back, course that meant I did too. Anyway, it wasn't too long after that Mayuri revealed his ultimate plan in how to extract the hollow from my body, the process potentially lethal but as you know it was successful. And now here we are; my hollow free, somewhat, and myself and you at the mercy of an insane clown."

"Now, now Kurosaki-san," Mayuri's voice admonished from the shadows, "Is that anyway to speak about your generous host?"

"Generous host?! Try fucked up mental case!" shouted Ichigo as the captain came into view, his lieutenant by his side holding an unconscious Uryuu over her shoulder.

Both Ichigo and Orihime gasped at the sight, Mayrui chuckling out, "Yes, seems Nemu has made up for previous incompetence. Put him in a cell while I deal with these two." The lieutenant moved down the hall, Orihime calling out, "Uryuu! Uryuu are you ok? Wake up! Wake up!"

A slap across her face ended her beckoning as Mayuri sneered down at her, "Now then, Inoue-san, you will call out your healing and the healing only! Not that you are strong enough to kill me but it would discount my results. To insure compliance know that if you defy me I will kill this insolent brat, do you understand?"

Nodding Orihime choked back her tears as he placed the hairpins on her temples. "Now then," he began, "let's start with you healing your wounds. Don't bother with the clothing, those will be removed." Her eyes went wide but she complied out of fear for Ichigo's life, though he continually told her to save herself and he would be fine. Having healed her injuries Mayuri stepped forward, "I am going to release you in order to remove your clothing. Remember, compliance insures Kurosaki's life; defiance ends it." Again she nodded and hung her head in shame as cold hands ripped her remaining dignity away.

Just as she'd been bound back to the table, thankfully with her intimate areas covered by larger straps, the hollow re-entered the room, his punishment apparently completed.

"Got'er all strapped up and ready to go huh?" he asked lecherously earning a, "Stay away from her you demented fuck!" from Ichigo. Turning to face his human counterpart the creature reared back and slashed him across the stomach, blood streaming down as Ichigo hissed in pain.

"Know your place, horse!" he shouted, "Step out of line again and the damages I deal to her will be worse!"

During this exchange Mayuri had been busy hooking up various machines and sensors to Orihime's body all the while chuckling and muttering to himself about finally having three of his greatest test subjects all at the same time. Looking up to meet her eyes Orihime shivered as he rasped out, "We are ready to begin."

Shuuhei and the rest of the rescue squad had finally broken free of the hordes of hollows left in Nemu's wake. Panting heavily and bleeding from multiple, though mostly superficial, wounds, the captain of the ninth sped across the desert in the direction he last saw Uryuu head. By the time they reached the last spot they could sense Uryuu's reiatsu there was nothing but blank sky.

"Argh!" Shuuhei yelled at the top of his lungs, "What the fuck is going on? Where is he? Where is SHE?!" Slamming down he beat his fist into the harsh gritty sands, breath heaving in his rage. His party stood in momentary silence, none really knowing what to say. Then Zaraki grunted, "Get up Hisagi, this ain't over yet." Pausing in his dark ruminations Shuuhei lifted his head and met the gaze of the eleventh's captain who smirked. It was odd, taking comfort from so violent a man, but the glint in his eye held something that encouraged Hisagi and he stood, dusting off the sand from his hakamas.

"Let's get back to Soul Society, Mayuri most likely knows where she went," Kira suggested being answered by a huff from Rukia, "Most likely whatever is going on has those two at the bottom of it!" Turning to face her Shuuhei asked, "What do you mean?"

Rukia crossed her arms, eyes flashing, "Don't tell me you forgot Mayuri's obsession with Orihime's powers? He's wanted to experiment on her for years!"

Shuuhei's eyebrows rose but it was Isane who replied, "Even if that were true we'd have sensed her power signature in Soul Society."

"Not if he put a suppressor on her," comment Byakuya finding himself in agreement with his adopted sister's convictions. The clown faced captain did not believe rules applied to him in his quest for scientific experimentation, no matter the sanctions or protections over his elected targets.

"True but even he would not be crazy enough to risk exposure in Soul Society, there are too many witnesses. No matter how good his suppressors are someone would find out something," stated Toshiro coolly, his eyes bright with annoyance at the gall of the man.

"We need to return to Soul Society and follow this possible clue. If we're wrong we need to find out fast so we can formulate a new plan," Rangiku stated firmly and they all nodded, heading back in the direction of their portal.

"If Mayuri is behind this what's Kurosaki's hollow's got to do with it?" Ikkaku asked as they sped along.

"That's part of what we're going to find out when we find them," Hisagi said darkly.

Orihime shrieked in pain as the hollow sliced open her thigh, blood pouring from the deep gash. Ichigo cursed out, "Leave her the fuck alone you bastards. Injure me! Have her heal me to test your theories but leave her alone!" His demands were met with swift retribution in the form of a kick to the gut and punch to the jaw.

"Shut up asshole! Don't want the queeny to lose her concentration now do we?"

"Get him out of here," Mayuri rasped out, "Let's have him join the Quincy boy."

"Boss, you know the Quincy will kill him first chance he gets right?"

Shrugging disinterestedly the captain replied, "Either it will be another test for Inoue-san, I know she's brought him back at least once or twice, or one less subject to dispose of, either way Kurosaki has served his purpose."

Orihime was breathing heavily through the pain as she called forth her fairies to heal her wound as the hollow and Nemu extricated a cursing Ichigo. Opening her eyes she noticed Mayuri writing down observations in a journal before turning back to a table. Facing her again she was startled to see a hypodermic needle in his hand.

"Now then Inoue-san," he said softly, "We've seen remarkable results in the healing of external injuries. However, I have always wondered if you were able to heal more…internal damages."

Uryuu was pacing his cell, irate that he'd been captured by Nemu. He turned sharply at the sound of unlatching bolts and surged forward only to be blasted back by a kido ball, a grunt of pain escaping his lips as he landed heavily against the wall and slid down. A moment later he heard a familiar voice shouting, "What the fuck are you doing to her Mayuri? I'm going to fucking kill you!"

Looking up his eyes fell upon a figure he'd not seen in almost two years. A figure he swore he'd kill if he ever saw him again. Narrowing his eyes he stood and rushed forward grabbing Ichigo by the shoulders, rotating him away from the door and slamming him up against the wall, heedless of his existing injuries.

"You," he growled lowly, eyes full of vengeance. Ichigo had seen Uryuu angry before, usually at him, but he'd never seen him this incensed before.

Swallowing down his pain he choked out, "Ishida." Rearing back Uryuu decked him as hard as he could in the face, fairly sure he heard a crack of some sort. Ichigo had already lost so much blood and was so malnourished he had no strength to even stand up when Uryuu released him, collapsing in a heap on the cold hard ground. Uryuu stood over him, tempted to kick his ass into oblivion, his fists clenched tightly.

"You are despicable, when this is over I'm going to end you," he spat out before turning and heading to the opposite end of the cell. Sitting down he crossed his legs and inhaled deeply. As much as he wanted to kill the man before him he knew that would do nothing for their plight. Should they get out then he would take his revenge but on equal footing; killing an already half dead Kurosaki would not be as satisfying.

Long minutes passed as the two men listen to Orihime's cries of pain, both wincing and cursing at their inability to help her. The stone underground carried sounds far but Uryuu suspected their cell was not far from the main laboratory, undoubtedly designed that way to instill fear into whatever test subjects were next in line. They could both hear the monitors hooked up to Orihime, her heart rate skyrocketing before she uttered another howl of pain that increased over several minutes. Gradually her cries turned to whimpers as her strength gave way, her reiatsu dropping to a frighteningly low level as the poison Mayrui had injected her with took effect.

Beep beep…beep beep…beep…beep…beep

Her heart was slowing down more and more until a long, lone wail from the heart monitor echoed ominously down the chambers, its sound blending with Ichigo's anguished roar of defiance as Uryuu's own pain slid silently down his cheeks in single, slow tear trails.

Suddenly there was a subtle beep…beep….beep…beep beep…beep beep….

Both Ichigo and Uryuu's hearts gave a leap as they heard Orihime's own begin to beat again.

Coughing violently Orihime met her eyes to those of her tormentor before falling unconscious, her efforts of extracting the poison before it killed her taking their toll. "Impressive," murmured Mayuri while the hollow actually looked dumbfounded at the power of this woman. Was there nothing that could kill her? His blood still raged for the termination of her life for what she'd done to him but that would come in good time.

Mayuri concluded his observations before ordering, "Keep watch over the prisoners. Nemu and I must return to Soul Society. Let no one in." Eyeing the jewel around his master's neck the hollow replied, "Tch, I'm not some fucking babysitter. Plus I need to feed. They'll be fine for a couple hours on their own." Before the captain could reply the hollow was gone and he cursed at not having shackled him liked he'd planned.

Back in their holding cell Ichigo and Uryuu looked to one another curiously at this turn of events. Then Uryuu scowled again, unwilling to maintain eye contact with someone he considered vermin.

"Ishida," Ichigo coughed out and though the Quincy refused to look at him he continued, "If we get out of here, I want you to know I…I don't know how but…I'm going to make it up to her."

That broke Uryuu's resolve. Standing swiftly he moved over to Ichigo's seated position towering over him and declared fiercely, "Kurosaki, when we get out of here you will leave Orihime be. She was finally getting her life back together and I'm going to see to it that she continues to do so."

Glaring up at his former friend Ichigo stood to meet his gaze though his legs were shakier than he'd prefer, "Just who the fuck do you think you are? It's up to her Ishida! Besides, what happened to "ending" me huh?"

An odd smirk crossed Uryuu's face, "Oh, I've been doing some reconsideration. Death is merely a door way to another world, we know that now, and she'd be no safer from you if you were permanently in Soul Society than in the living world. No, I'm looking forward to witnessing you suffer the torment of watching the woman you love, love someone else."

Ichigo's eyes widened. He, of course, knew about Shuuhei Hisagi's relationship with Orihime due to the encounter in the forest on Christmas Eve. It'd shown him she had strong feelings for the captain and he for her, his fighting having proved that. But she'd saved him, even when his hollow had almost raped her, had beat her…he closed his eyes in pain at the memory. Opening them again he yelled out, "And what the fuck would you know about that?!"

"Because I had to watch her love you!" Uryuu's voice echoed through the room, his confession startling the former substitute to silence.

Voice lower but still firm Uryuu continued, "You…have no idea what it was like to watch the woman I love be destroyed by the man she loved and not be able to do a fucking thing about it!" His language startled Ichigo but before he could form any sort of reply Uryuu went on, "And after you abandoned her I couldn't even tell her because she'd think it was pity! She was so broken, so utterly despondent! Any self worth she'd built in our years of fighting, of being friends, of being your lover, was shattered."

Breathing harder, the weight of his emotions and the effort to speak bearing down on his heart, he went on with eyes closed in pain at the memory he was recalling, "Eventually, when she showed signs of healing, I thought I would perhaps have an opportunity to show her how she deserved to be treated, to tell her how I really felt about her. But one day, when the three of us were at home," Ichigo furrowed his brow but didn't interrupt, "Orihime was down the hall and called out, "Uryuu-nii."

The orange haired male's eyes widened more at the realization of where this was going. Finally Uryuu met his eyes back to the man's before him, "It was at that moment I realized I'd lost her forever. She would always only ever see me as her brother. So," he inhaled deeply once more, "I decided to play my part to the fullest. She never knew and will never know my love for her."

Stepping back he ended softly, "You will see and you will feel what I am talking about the moment you see them reunited. And for Orihime's sake I'm going to give my all to get her back to the man she loves. And trust me, it isn't you." He retreated back to his former position, sitting once more and taking deep calming breaths. With their captors momentarily absent now was the time for formulating their escape.

Across the cell a very bewildered and heart sick Ichigo regained his seated position as well. A part of him he'd elected to ignore knew there was no hope of rekindling his relationship with Orihime but his stubborn arrogance wouldn't allow him to give up. Not without a fight and though he was fairly sure it was too late he'd be damned if he didn't at least try.

Author's Note: Originally I had not wanted to create another unrequited love for Orihime but I couldn't get the idea of Uryuu harboring feelings for her out of my head after al2010's comment on chapter 19. Thus, the emotionally charged scene between Uryuu and Ichigo was born! I hope you all like it and don't feel it cheap or cliché. It caught me by surprise and I'm the author, so I hope it felt like it fit with the rest of the story. Reviews feed the muse so please, if you have words of encouragement, enjoyment or constructive criticism hit the button and let me know! Thanks all!