Hello everyone. I must say that I am getting very lazy with writing. Usually I would finish a chapter in a day or two and post it a day after I finished it. But now It is getting more difficult for me. Maybe it's the holidays that is doing this to my brain. It probably gave it a day off hahahaha. Well anyway chapter 21 is finally done. Sorry about the last chapter's cliffhanger. I know that there are probably some of you that are dying to know what will happen. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own bleach and never will. Like I said, if I owned bleach then Orihime and Ichigo would have been together by now :)

The Demon Within

Chapter 21: Rescue Ichigo...Kisuke's program

Ichigo's POV

"The Gem of Fukkatsu."

"Gem of Fukkatsu? What is it exactly?"

"Let's just say it is something very valuable that I need."

"Where is this Gem now?"

Saya turned around and went towards the window. I could see that she had a smile on her face. It became clear when she turned her head to look at me.

"You know the place very well."

"Just say it already!"

"Your so impatient."

Saya stared at me for a while in silence, not once did she let go of her smile she wore.

"It's in the soul society."

My eyes widened at what she told me. The item, this Gem of Fukkatsu was located in the soul society? What does it do and why does she need it? If she knows where it is then why not go get it. I heard from Kisuke she has a brilliant mind and created a bracelet that makes her look different, like an illusion. I looked at her with a serious face. Not one of us averted our gaze, not one even blinked.

"Why do you need me? If you know where it is then why not go and get it yourself. I heard that you have a great mind and inventions so why go through all the trouble in capturing me?"

"I could but I won't be able to get it if I find it."

"Why not?"

"Alright it's time for a little history lesson. Long ago before all the captains you know weren't even born yet. It was when Yamamoto was still a young adult and not an elder. It was only him and a few other soul reapers at the time and the thirteen court guard squads were not created at that time. My family joined Yamamoto in his quest to construct the court guard squads. Everything went well but the first war broke out between the soul reapers and hollows. In the beginning of the war the few soul reapers were winning every battle without casualties, but after a few days they realized that the hollows won't stop coming. They then later sent someone to investigate while they held the front lines. They learned that the first king of Hueco Mundo had forged an Gem that could resurrect or control hollows who won't obey the person who needs their services. Basically it can manipulate hollows to his will. One day they created a garganta with kido and sneaked into Hueco Mundo and stole the Gem and killed the king. Only two people know the location of the Gem and that is my great, great, great grandfather and Yamamoto himself. This information was passed down every generation and was never shared with anyone outside the family. The Kohaku was one of the four great noble families until the day they found out about my father being a soul reaper and my mother being a quincy. Our nobility was stripped from our name and we lost our house and fortune. Our name ment nothing and I was determined to rebuild and that's why I joined the court guard squads. Before my father died he gave me the books that carried every history and information of our family."

That made sense, how she knew about almost everything and anything. It still doesn't explain why she needs me.

"Why do you need me then?"

"Only a hollow could find it's exact location as only a hollow could release it's full power. That's where you come in Ichigo." She said with the same smile.

"I'm not a hollow so I wont be able to get it or even use it. Even if I was I won't ever help you! Why don't you ask one of your lackies or Divo to get it?"

"They are weak and won't be able to get the Gem. To get the Gem you need a strong body with a great amount of spirit energy and a iron will. None of these hollows have that."

"You are missing the point, I am not a hollow so I won't be able to help you."

Saya laughed at what I said and started to walk to the doors. She stopped and turned to look at me.

"Just shout if you need anything."

She then exited the room and locked the door behind her. I have to get out of here or at least tell the others what she is planning. If only I could open a garganta but these chains is sealing my spiritual pressure and for some reason I feel weak. It is as if it is sucking out my strength and leaves me just enough to move my body. It was going to be difficult to escape with these cuffs on my hands.

I stopped thinking about it and went towards the bed and sat down at the edge. I wonder where they are keeping zangetsu? The only one I know that was there was my hollow. If I was to escape then I will need his help.

"Hey hollow are you there?"

...

"I'm talking to you piece of shit, so answer me."

...

Now I was getting impatient. Why would he ignore if I called him a piece of shit. That would usually do the trick and he would scream at me for my stupidity. Why was he so quiet all of a sudden? It was not like him to take anyones crap. I left it at that and layed on the bed, waiting to fall asleep.

Orihime's POV

I was woken up the morning by a loud shattering sound. I shot up from the bed and on high alert. I threw the bed covers off of me and raced towards the source of the sound. I then stopped in front of the kitchen to see Nel busy in the kitchen and going through the fridge. She had accidentally dropped one of the jam jars I had.

"What happened?"

"I was just looking for something to eat and I searched through this weird box that keeps all these types of food and cools them down. I'm sorry but while I was searching I accidentally knocked something over. I'm sorry." Nel said while she bowed to show that she really was sorry.

I smiled at her and I carefully walked towards the cupboart and avoiding the shards off glass on the floor and opened it. I took out a brush and scoop and swept up all the glass that I could.

"It's ok Nel, don't worry about it."

I then wiped up all the jam and trew it in a plastic bag and into the dustbin. I took a dish cloth and wiped the remaining stains off the floor. Nel did not once move from her place. She did offer to help me but I said it was alright. I finished and looked at Nel who looked sad. She probably felt guilty for breaking the jar.

"Don't punish yourself over this Nel it was only an accident and accidents happen."

"Alright Orihime and thank you." Nel said while giving me a smile.

I giggled at what she said.

"Why are you thanking me?"

"You are so forgiving and you let me stay here with you for a while. I am grateful for everything you have done."

"Your welcome here anytime Nel."

Nel's eyes then started to fill up with tears. She started to cry and then ran towards me and gave me a hug, which she squeezed me very tight. It felt like she was going to crush my ribs and spine and everything in between. She released me and looked at me with watery eyes and snot going down her nose and sniffing to stop them from falling down.

"Are you alright? Did I say something wrong?" I asked her with a concerned look on my face.

"It's just - It's just that...that nobody has ever been so nice to me. Only Pesche and Dondochakka has ever showed me this kind of kindness before."

"Why is it only a few people were kind to you?"

"When you become an espada or vasto lord then some hollows avoid you and others despise you because they could not reach that level of power. Other arrancars would also turn on you to try to prove that they are better than you."

"I'm so sorry to hear that Nel. Has it always been like that?"

"Yes. In Hueco Mundo it is kill or be killed and anyone who has too much power than anyone will be an outcast. They will hunt and try to devour you for your power. That is how it works in that wasteland."

I then gave her a hug and comforted her. I did not realize Hueco Mundo was so brutal. I knew the hollows were evil spirits but still just to kill for power was still a bit far. When I think about it we humans and hollows are much alike. Other humans will kill if they think someone has more power then them. It was like a vicious circle that won't ever stop. As long as there is power then there will be conflict and when there is conflict there will surely be battle and bloodshed.

I then released her and made some food that she could eat. After I made her meal I went and took a bath and got dressed in a aqua floral striped skirt that hung in the middle of my calf's with a aqua green strap t shirt with a white strap gladiators.

I came out of my room and went to the livingroom where Nel waited for me. She sat on the couch with her legs and arms cross and clearly thinking about something. I went and took a seat next to her, waiting for her to talk or speak her mind. She was silent and suddenly started to speak.

"I don't get it Orihime."

"And what is that?"

"Why would Saya need Ichigo and for what? It doesn't make any sense to me.

"I also gave it a thought but same as you, I could not come to a conclusion."

"I just wish I knew what she was planning and a way to rescue Ichigo but she guards Las Noches pretty well and if we want to sneak in and rescue Ichigo without casualties is going to be very difficult."

"Are you saying that you know where they are holding Ichigo?"

"Yes, don't you remember that I infiltrated their base and saw the part of her plan to capture Ichigo?"

I giggled at what she said and rubbed the back of my head. I felt so dumb because I forgot something that was obvious and happened just yesterday.

"I'm sorry Nel I did forget there for a second. I bet it is just the little blue and green men just messing around with my head again. They sure do love it to pick on me sometimes." I said while smiling and giggled a bit.

When Nel heard this she also started to laugh a bit. I began to tell her all the stories of how the blue and green men would switch my alarm clock off so that I would be late for school and how they would sometimes put the stove temperature too high causing my food to burn. Nel had tears in her eyes from all the laughing. One time she laughed so hard that she rolled around on the ground. I then finished my story telling and we both calmed down from the laughing session we just had. Our stomachs still pained from it.

"As fun as this is Nel we should get going. Kisuke wants to talk to us about Ichigo and Saya."

"Alright let's go." Nel nodded and stood up to follow me.

We exited my house and locked the door. We then headed for the Urahara shop to go meet Kisuke and the others. On our way there we came across a familiar figure as he was walking but then stopped and turned his gaze towards us. I narrowed my eyes and saw that it was Uryu. He was waiting for us so that we could all go together. Nel and I then went into a jog, not wanting Uryu to wait too long for us. We caught up to him and we both greeted him with a smile on our faces.

"Morning Uryu." We both said at the same time.

"Morning Orihime...Nel. I see that you two met early this morning."

"Actually Nel slept over last night."

I could see that Uryu was a bit shocked at this. He did not realize Nel had even stayed her. Uryu then started to blush a bit and looked away. I wonder what he was thinking about? (A/n yea he did imagine something and we all know what and yes even Uryu has a naughty side but only in his mind and he won't admit it of course. He is a man after all.)

"Well shall we get going? Kisuke is probably waiting for us." Uryu said quickly before walking away, not looking at us.

We quickly made our way beside him and walked in silence to the Kisuke. None of us talked as I was thinking about Ichigo which made me sad. I could see that it was the same with Nel and Uryu. Ichigo's capture really affected all of us and not in a good way. The atmosphere around us was gloomy and sad as we walked onward. When we were walking on the sidewalk I realized that the sun had come up. I knew that it must be around eight cause when Nel broke the jar it was about right after six. The sunrise would always lighten my mood and make me smile, but today it didn't. This sunrise was sad and did not make me smile at all.

It didn't take long but we arrived and made our way to the front door where we were all greeted by none other than Kisuke himself. He had his usual green clothes with his cane in his left hand and his favourite fan in his right. He also had his white and green strip or green and white stripped hat on his head. I was never really sure which one it was but it never bothered or made me interested enough to make me ask him.

"Good morning. Your all looking bright this morning."

We all looked at him with a straight and serious face. We knew he was only joking but none of us felt like laughing right now. Since we met up with Uryu, Ichigo was all I could think about. I came up with different scenarios of how we wont find him or that he is being tortured or something in that line. I shook my head to get rid of the memories. Kisuke sighed as his attempt to lift the atmosphere did not succeed.

"Let's get inside, everyone is waiting and we have a lot to discuss." He said while opening the slide door to let us in.

We entered and saw that Isshin, Yoruichi and Chad was already seated and waiting for us. We greeted each other and took our seats and waited for Kisuke to begin the meeting. It was silent for a while but then I spoke first before Kisuke could say anything.

"Where is Rukia and Renji?"

"They left. Last night they were given orders to return to the soul society at once. They must have noticed Ichigo is missing and want an update on the matter."

"Do you know when they will be back?" Uryu asked.

"I'm afraid I don't know the answer. It could be for a few days or even weeks."

We all nodded and Kisuke then begun to talk again.

"I think it is safe to say that Ichigo is fine and no physical harm will be brought upon him so no need to worry about that."

"How sure are you about that?" I asked with a concerned voice.

"I know Saya. She won't kill Ichigo. It is clear that the success of her plan lies with Ichigo. If she wanted to kill him then she could have done it last night." Isshin said with his serious voice.

I could see that he was hurting inside and that he was sad, but he put up a brave face to assure us. It worked. Now I know where Ichigo get's it from.

"I don't know how long we have before Saya makes her move but we will go to Hueco Mundo in one weeks time. I want to put you all through a special training program that will give you a increase in your ability's. If you are lucky then you can even dubble your powers of your abilities with this training." Kisuke told us.

Everyone's eyes were wide except for Yoruich, Isshin and of course Chad. My guess is that Isshin and Yoruichi already knew this program and Chad...well he never really show shock or surprise often so no surprise there.

"The program is five days of training and two days to recover. On the eighth day Nel will be opening a garganta for us so we can go save Ichigo."

"Why in a week? Why not now?" Uryu asked Kisuke, clearly confused at why Kisuke had planed it.

"The enemy's strength is stronger then we expected. If we rush in there now we will be slaughtered. You all saw what happened last night. We barely manage to hold our own ground."

We all nodded and agree

"What about Rukia and Renji? Will they be joining us?" Uryu asked.

"I don't think so. We have to go on without them. Time is not on our side and we need to move fast is we stand any chance of saving Ichigo and stopping Saya."

I sighed at this. If only they were her then they could have helped us. Our odds would have been much greater if they was going to go with us. My thoughts were interrupted by kisuke.

"Now that you all know the plan let's get started." Kisuke said while opening the floor to reveal the entrance to his training grounds.

We all stood up and made our way down to the training grounds. Once we arrived Kisuke led us to the very center of the room, which looked impossible considering the size of this place. He then gazed at us from under his hat.

"Now here is how it is going to work."

Ok I know that some of you want to kill me...again for this cliffhanger, but hey it's like I said I love to keep my fans on the edge of their seats with suspense. Hopefully I will have the next chapter ready soon. Thanks to everyone that reviewed my story so far and gave me some good advise and ideas. I am truly grateful. Check out Gwen's story. Untill next time.