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

Author's Note: Ok, crap is about to hit the fan. There is a quite a bit going on in this chapter and I will be page breaking between the two main fights. Hopefully it won't look too bad and will make sense. I wanted to make this exciting but not too drawn out and I hope you like it.

Suddenly There Was You

By bleachfanficfanatic

Chapter 25

As Shuuhei sped along side Kisuke, the void detector beeping in his hands, his impatience grew. They'd already traveled throughout the morning and the device had made no indication they were getting any closer. It was then he realized they'd not even a clue where to start looking and wondered at Kisuke's choice in direction so he asked him.

The former captain replied, "Given that your last interaction with the hollow when he kidnapped Inoue-san was when you were in Tokyo I figured we should start there. My hope is that, just as with your third seat, the device will tell us the direction to head."

"So why have it on now?"

"In case I'm wrong or we get lucky and hit something as we go."

Shuuhei shook his head at himself; of course that was why.

By the mid-afternoon they'd reached the center of Tokyo proper and Kisuke landed upon the roof of one of the many buildings, the rest of their group taking similar positions near him and Shuuhei to await developments. Turning up the sensitivity of the device Urahara frowned down at the screen waiting for an indication of where to go. After a few tense minutes a blip to the west made him smile.

"Got it," he said simply looking up at Shuuhei's face.

"How far?" the captain asked eagerly.

"The exact location I don't have yet, just the direction but let's go. The signal will get stronger the closer we get."

They all took to the air again, Shuuhei's mind screaming out, "Hang on Orihime!"

Mayuri and Nemu had returned much later than he'd originally intended but it was of no consequence. The time had been well spent. Shouting for Nemu to ready Orihime he grabbed her hair pins from the drawer. Walking to the deposit chamber he spied the hollow making his way towards the door leading to the outside.

"And just who said you could leave?" he asked.

The hollow turned glaring eyes on him. "This shit is boring, plus because I had to fucking babysit last night and all this morning I didn't get a chance to feed. I'm going out."

Mayuri eyed him suspiciously. But the hollow never dropped his gaze, just stood looking rather like an impatient child. Scoffing the captain turned and waved him off. "The testing will be more peaceful without your constant complaints. Be sure to use the suppressor, we don't need any unexpected guests."

"No shit asshole," he muttered turning and heading out the door.

In her cell Orihime was a bundle of nerves working desperately to calm down. When Nemu opened the door she jumped. As they walked down the hall she sent up a prayer that their plan would work with all of them getting out alive.

When she entered the pit it was deathly quiet. Looking up at the wall panel that covered Ichigo and Uryuu's cell she took a deep breath. This was it; no turning back. Her thoughts cut off at the sound of the delivery panel opening. Making herself appear as if nothing was out of the ordinary Orihime took the pins securing them to her temple.

The door leading to the chamber holding the hollows opened, a deafening roar emanating as a huge Gillian class Menos, at least four stories high, exited into the pit. Orihime's eyes widened; these creatures could give a lieutenant a challenge, she didn't stand a chance!

Watching from above Mayuri crossed his arms. It would be most interesting to see how the girl handled such a formidable opponent. Thus far he'd only given her, in his opinion, sublevel hollows to deal with. Even after having seen her power spike when her comrades were in mortal danger he desired to see her against a more challenging foe.

The Menos zeroed in on Orihime's spiritual pressure, turning its massive head to look directly at her, its blank eyes and white mask just as terrifying to her now as the first time she'd seen one.

A roar bellowed from its chest before a large cero was shot in her direction. Orihime ran behind one of the boulders only for it to explode sending rocks and gravel upwards. As they rained down, bouncing off her shield, her whole body trembled making it hard to focus. Taking a deep breath she worked to gather her courage. All she had to do was survive until their plans were put into action.

Another blast was building, the energy sizzling before the Menos' mouth. Flashing up her shield Orihime took the hit directly but the effort it took to hold it was draining her faster than she expected. She couldn't risk sending Tsubaki, too scared for him to be effective. So despite his yelling to be let out she took off in a dead run, desperately hoping the boys would be there soon before she ended up as cero fodder.

Once the hollow was sure Mayuri and Nemu were ensconced in their observation booth he circled back around. Keeping the reiatsu suppressor on he headed directly to where Mayuri kept Ichigo's battle pass and Uryuu's bracelet. Breaking off the lock he wrenched the cabinet open and took the items before flash stepping back to their cell. Whipping the door open he grinned.

"Show time,"he said flinging the items at them.

Just outside Shuuhei and Kisuke had halted, the shop keeper finally finding the void. Before Shuuhei could land he halted him. "Knowing Mayuri there will most likely be incendiary booby traps."

"We need to get down there!" Shuuhei shouted. They were so close, so damn close he could feel it!

"Patience Hisagi-san, it will do no good to get yourself killed when you are so close to reclaiming what is yours," Urahara said calmly. From his pocket he withdrew another smaller device. "This will detect any bombs and we can disarm them."

Handing Shuuhei the void detector Kisuke swiftly made a circuit of the area surrounding the perimeter of the void. Sure enough there were multiple explosives any of which could be set off by trip wire, pressure plate or motion if they got too close.

He relayed his findings to Shuuhei, Byakuya, and Renji who were now standing with the ninth's captain waiting for their next move. They could feel Shuuhei's reiatsu trembling with impatience.

"Shuu, I know your anxious to get to her and this may seem like a stupid question, but why the extra urgency?" Renji asked lowly as Kisuke and Byakuya discussed their options.

Looking his friend in the eye Shuuhei said, "I don't know how but I know that something is happening and they need us…she needs us!"

Back in the pit Orihime was breathing hard. For being so slow the Menos certainly gave her a run for her money! She worked to suppress her reiatsu as low as it would go hoping to buy more time. But the longer she had to evade and protect the weaker she felt herself getting. Despite all her training, blocking this level of blast was taking its toll. Not to mention the running.

Mayuri was beginning to lose what little patience, if any, he possessed with the girl. He'd not foreseen her still being this resistant to using her full strength.

"She's probably never harnessed it before," he murmured looking at her numbers.

A commotion and scream of anguish met his ears unexpectedly. Moving forward quickly he looked down and roared out in fury. Below he could see Ichigo, Uryuu and the hollow all engaged in a fight, the towering mass of the Menos a fading memory.

When the hell had they gotten out and how had they…his teeth clenched in rage. That bastard!

Slamming his fist again the communicator he bellowed, "Just what the hell do you think you're doing?!" There was no question of who he was speaking to.

As he struck against Ichigo's sword the hollow yelled out, "I told you I was fucking bored! Plus, now you'll get more interesting data so stop bitching and just enjoy the show. They've got their collars on, so what's the harm?"

Mayuri was seething, not just because the hollow had extracted their weapons and gained entry without his noticing but because he was right! Already the girl was more engaged in the fight, flashing up her shield to protect a vicious strike to the substitute. Apparently the need of comradeship was more important than he considered seeing as he could care less about anyone or anything. So as the data poured in he watched.

"You were stupid to let us out, I'm going to end you once and for all," shouted Ichigo slicing Zangetsu through the air.

The hollow jumped back cackling as he went. "I've already beat you once horse, I'll do it again! Only this time you'll be dead!"

Metal clashed, sparks flying in the violence of their impact. Ichigo looked directly in the hollow's eyes, the intent to kill clearly there. Could they really trust him to follow through with his part of the deal?

A new sound interrupted their stare down. Glancing to his left Ichigo could see three large hollows running towards them. The next moment he was flying backwards, the results of a sucker punch to the jaw.

"Damn it you fucking bastard!" he shouted getting back up to absorb another blow to his steel.

"Not my fault you can't pay the fuck attention horse!" the hollow yelled. Lowly he whispered, "Gotta make it believable and all that shit you know."

Ichigo cursed again, pushing him back. They sprang a part, Ichigo shouting, "Ishida, keep Orihime safe!"

"As if I'd do any less Kurosaki," muttered Uryuu taking aim. A loosed arrow hit its mark, the hollow howling as it disappeared.

A flash of light signaled Tsubaki's entrance into the fight. He connected fully with another mask sending a second hollow to its end. Looking at Orihime, Uryuu allowed himself a small smile. "Although, she's very capable on her own," he said loud enough for her to hear. Her eyes met his, the smile returned, before they both turned their attention back to the third hollow, aware there would be more coming soon.

Mayuri kept a close eye on the men. One suspicious move and he'd annihilate them. Instinctively he knew something deeper than what he could see was going on. But his curiosity and confidence won out over caution. He was sure there wasn't anything they could try that he wouldn't be able to thwart with the simple push of some buttons. And should those fail he was perfectly capable of tearing them apart himself.

Orihime was getting anxious. The longer Ichigo and the hollow fought the more it appeared they were losing focus. Instead of working together they were beginning to fight for real. And that could only spell disaster.

Ichigo spat a mouthful of blood to the ground. The bastard really wasn't holding back. Then again, neither was he. There was pay back to be had for everything he'd put Orihime through by exposing her to Mayuri and he told him as much.

The hollow laughed. "Oh really horse? It's all my fault? Who was the one too weak to best me when you had the chance?" His blade slashed, the wind of its passing ruffling Ichigo's shihakushou. "Who was the one so weak that he ran away? You made it so fucking easy! Like I told you before; be weaker than me then I'll end you and take your crown. The crown is mine! And with it I will take the queen as my own!"

Ichigo gritted his teeth. Now wasn't the time for this, they needed to focus otherwise none of them would get out alive! Surging forward he grabbed the hollow by the collar, slamming him up against the wall.

"We need to end this now! After that the deal is off!" he hissed lowly.

His opponent grinned. "Fine by me, hope you're ready for permanent residency in Soul Society!"

"Tch, hope you're ready to be blown to tiny bits!"

They pushed apart, both harnessing their powers separately. As the energy built up Orihime's skin itched. Uryuu stood nearby ready to move her when it was time. It was strangely reminiscent of their time watching Ichigo in Hueco Mundo, only this time he was facing an even bigger adversary; the darkness of himself.

As she watched, Orihime hoped fervently this would work. She wanted them all to survive, even the hollow. Truthfully he had risked the most in this and even though she knew his motivations were inherently selfish there was a small part of her that felt he was behaving heroically. His potential for being sacrificed was higher than theirs. That had to speak to something, didn't it?

When they'd reached their max Ichigo and the hollow met one another's eyes. This was it, now was the time.

"Say goodbye you bastard!"

"Fucking die horse!"

Launching themselves up into the air both made a move indicative of a strike but at the last second Ichigo turned and the hollow flashed right next to him.

They could see Mayuri and Nemu observing them. But as they slammed their swords together their energy fused, black and blue beams of light wrapped together making the direction of their blow become clear. Mayuri cursed out and at the same moment his hand reached for the amulet both Ichigo and the hollow shouted, "Getsuga Tenshou!"

A massive wave of power, far stronger than either could have produced alone, slammed against the kido barrier exploding it in Mayuri's face. As the dust settled Ichigo could see the captain and lieutenant on the ground, most their equipment melted into liquid metal on the ground and a pile of rubble behind them.

In the blink of an eye both Ichigo and the hollow surged forward but the amulet was missing from around Mayuri's neck. Once again they attacked together, Ichigo's sword meeting with Nemu's katana while she absorbed a direct hit from the hollow's. Right outside the hole in the wall stood Orihime and Uryuu, their eyes searching frantically for the amulet. She spotted it among the rubble and sent her sphere to collect it.

"Get her out of here Ishida!" shouted Ichigo.

"Don't you dare Quincy, we have a deal!"

"I told you the deal's off! One way or another, your ass is dead!" Ichigo slammed his sword against the hollow's momentarily forgetting to keep his eyes on the captain. Kicking out the hollow sent him flying backwards to the ground below.

In a rage Mayuri shoved Nemu's bleeding form off himself and catapulted to his feet, drawing Ashisogi Jizō as he landed. With his other hand he withdrew a remote from his pocket and slammed his thumb upon the detonator. A surprising lack of explosion brought momentary confusion to his normally maniacally grinning face.

"Tch, those things don't work too well without this," the hollow laughed showing him the power supply held in his hand. Slamming it down he crushed it with his heel. Meeting the captain's eyes he smirked. "The only one who'll have a collar on the queen is me!"

"You will pay for your treachery!" shouted Mayuri slamming his fist against two buttons. A loud rumble emanated from above and below. Turning their gazes upwards they were all startled to see cracks tearing across the ceiling.

"Look out!" shouted Uryuu as rocks and boulders began to fall from the exceptionally high ceiling.

Orihime shouted, "Here!" and they all huddled together as her shield domed around them, the debris slamming against it.

Shuuhei's ears were ringing. It was difficult to get up. What the hell had happened? One minute they were disarming the bombs when suddenly they all went off!

Blood ran down one side of his face, a nick on his temple the source of the flow. When he was finally able to open his eyes he found Mutsumi on top of him unconscious. Moving gingerly he lay her down. Her arm was definitely broken, but she was at least breathing on her own. Gritting his teeth he took a stood slowly. Most of his comrades were unhurt. From the gaping hole in the ground the sounds of hollow roars could be heard.

Moving to the edge his heart almost stopped at the sight of Orihime, Uryuu, Ichigo and the hollow surrounded by dozens of hollows in varying sizes and evolutions. The males were flanking the woman but flashes of golden light indicated she was not idle; she was protecting and healing in the middle of a bloodbath.

"Hell yeah, now this is what I'm talking about!" shouted Zaraki leaping down into the fray, his division members following their battled hungry captain into a black sea of oblivion. Soon the roars turned to shrieks of pain and death, Kenpachi and his men cutting through hollows in a flurry of sword strikes.

As Shuuhei made haste to follow them, Byakuya and Toshiro flanking him, his eyes landed upon Mayuri's form observing from a cave in the side of the rock face. Eyes flashing he swiftly confronted him.

"I knew it was you," he said lowly brandishing Kazeshini.

Mayuri's eyes met his, no remorse, no concern, no fear. "Of course it was me, science has no boundaries and I don't intend to start placing them anytime soon."

"Shut the fuck up you bastard. I'm going to rip you to shreds!"

Shuuhei advanced slamming against him. Nemu went to attack but was thwarted by Rangiku's blade.

Back and forth they parried shots until Shuuhei managed to get close enough to throw Mayuri into the fray below. Looking up he shouted to Kisuke, "Seal the pit! I don't want them to get away!"

Urahara nodded and set a kido barrier of the hole effectively sealing them in.

Ichigo never thought he would see the day where he was glad to see Kenpachi Zaraki. With his and the men from the eleventh's help he was able to turn his attention back to Orihime; she had the amulet around her neck.

"Orihime, destroy that thing now! While he's distracted," he said firmly. Meeting her eyes he could see the doubts, the guilt. Why was she so dead set on saving a creature that'd caused her so much pain and misery? "I know what you're thinking but you've got to let that go. He'll turn against us in a heartbeat, you know that!"

Still she hesitated and knowing her heart was too good, too kind to go back on her word Ichigo plucked the jewel from around her neck. Orihime gasped at his quick movement. Though she remained silent her eyes spoke volumes; she was angry. But Ichigo didn't have time to prolong this argument. Wresting away from her gaze he took off towards the sky intent to reach Urahara.

Argh!" He cried out as he was slammed against abrasive stone, his cheek cutting open on the jagged unevenness of the wall. Flipped forward he was unsurprised who held him at bay, a look of utter hatred on his face.

"Where the fuck do you think you're going, horse?"

"To destroy this," Ichigo said flashing the amulet. The hollow made a grab for it but met with Ichigo's head slamming into his.

"Oi, Hat and Clogs!" Ichigo shouted gaining the shop keeper's attention through the clear barrier.

"Ah! Kurosaki-san, good to see you alive and…well," he said grinning taking in the tattered clothes and blood.

"Shut up and keep this safe!" Ichigo flashed the gem but before Kisuke could drop a section of the shield to take it the hollow sliced his wrist making him lose his grip.

"Son of a bitch!"

As the coveted item fell they both took off after it.

Shuuhei was occupied with trying to kill Mayuri but his fellow captain was dodging effectively, his strikes hitting home and making Hisagi's skin burn. Damn him and his poisons!

Then, as he readied another blow, he heard Orihime scream. Unable to stop himself he turned around and found her clenching her head. He saw red as deep as the color of blood staining her auburn tresses. The hollow which had caught her unaware was descending its claws for a killing blow. Leaving his current opponent for the time being Shuuhei flashed through the enemy ripping it as though it were tissue paper. Turning back around he sped to her side, gathering her near fainting form in his arms.

Orihime's head was spinning because of the pain. She'd been so engrossed in protecting and healing those around her she'd stupidly neglected to pay attention to her surroundings. A spider like hollow had come around a boulder and before she could react slashed at her, grazing her head and drawing blood. She didn't even remember screaming.

When she opened her eyes she thought she was dreaming. Staring down at her face, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and fear, was Shuuhei.

"Shuu, you…you came," she whispered, completely exhausted.

Leaning down he kissed her gently. "I'll always come for you, Ori." Then he pulled her flush against his body, her own tired arms lifting slowly to wrap around his strong neck. The moment was short lived as a scream from another hollow marked its attack. Setting Orihime down Shuuhei flash stepped to intercept it.

As another hollow set its sights on her Orihime tried to call Tsubaki but nothing happened. Reaching up she clenched her blood soaked hair; her hairpins were missing! Falling to her knees she searched frantically as the creature stalked his prey. Just before it reached her Shuuhei was there again cutting it through its mask. He looked down.

"Are you ok?"

Orihime had just recovered her pins, dismayed to find they'd been badly damaged when she was attacked. She tried calling her spirits but they weren't able to answer.

On the other side of the pit Ichigo and his hollow were locked in a raging battle. Ichigo had lost a lot of blood and as a result his ability to harness energy was dwindling. He'd managed to get the amulet back but when he tried to break it with his sword it just bounced off. The thing was more resilient than it looked. Parrying another slash he took off back across the grounds. He hated running but he needed to find a way to destroy the gem and the hollow constantly hacking at him was making it difficult to concentrate.

But even with that to deal with he'd kept a feeling out for Orihime, hers being the only spiritual pressure he could ever reliably sense. When she'd been in danger he'd raced to save her only to watch as Shuuhei arrived in time first. Their kiss had distracted him enough to earn another cut to his back but that pain was comparatively nothing to the one in his heart. Uryuu was right; it hurt like a bitch.

At least he knew she was safe, even if he was pissed it wasn't him who was protecting her.

Skirting around another boulder to catch his breath he lost it instead when the sight of his human body crushed beneath a boulder came into view. Swallowing thickly he realized there would be no returning to the living world for him. He was dead. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath. This was not the time to dwell on what he couldn't change.

Harnessing his energy he burst out from his position.

"Getsuga tenshou!" He hit the hollow dead center, his body falling to the ground.

Shuuhei didn't want to leave Orihime's side but knew he needed to finish things with Mayuri himself. From their vantage point he could see the clown engaged in clashing swords with Byakuya and Renji. With the men from the eleventh able to keep the remaining hollows at bay all captains and lieutenants available were focusing their efforts on the captain of the twelfth. Shuuhei knew Shunsui had wanted them to take him alive but it was debatable as to whether that would be the case; either by his choice or theirs.

Spying the Quincy he signaled him over. When he landed he said lowly, "Guard her, her hair pins were damaged. She's too stubborn to leave but if things get any more dicey get her the fuck out of here."

Uryuu nodded solemnly. Ushering Orihime to the wall he had her sit down. This way he only had to watch their front and not their backs as well.

Assured she was safe Shuuhei sped back across the grounds to join the fight. Mayuri was struggling, breathing hard and raging at them about progress and their narrowmindedness.

"Ingrates! Suffer the consequences of your imbecility!"

Shuuhei realized with growing horror Mayuri was readying to release his Bankai. Even with the vastness of the underground they didn't stand a chance against the size of it nor against its poison and he was doubtful they could get out in time. His shikai was already released and with it he tried to bind the captain from issuing his call to Bankai but it was too late.

With no other option he harnessed his own, just hoping he could get it out in time. Focusing as best he could he uttered, "Reaper."

As Kazeshini flashed brightly and a dark orb of black outlined in crimson beginning to surround him Shuuhei shouted, "Get out of here!" while his zanpakuto spirit cackled. He hated this and more than likely it would kill him just as much as Mayuri's poison but he wasn't going down without giving it his all.

He could no longer see those around him but knew despite his command they would stick this out until the end.

He felt the swirl of power gaining speed as his bankai took over. Not very many had seen this and he was dismayed Orihime would witness him at what he considered his worst.

Renji's eyes went wide. The power rolling off of Shuuhei was immense. He'd never seen his bankai and though he knew he'd had to have been pretty desperate to call it out a part of him couldn't help but be impressed and excited to finally see what his friend could really do after so many years of dedicated focus and training.

Orihime clutched to Uryuu's coat, her body trembling. She'd never felt energy like this. It was darker than she expected, not quite the level of the hollow but she remembered Shuu telling her Kazeshini was basically a demon and that's what this aura felt like: demonic. Uryuu's arm wrapped tightly around her. "I need to get you out of here," he said forming his Hirenkyaku beneath them.

"No Uryuu-nii, I'm not leaving him!" She stepped away, unwilling to run away when so many were willing to risk so much. She wasn't going to leave the man she loved.

Mayuri watched the obsidian power; this was definitely unexpected. Suddenly the orb stilled then shattered revealing a very different looking Shuuhei.

Rather than a giant creature like almost all the other captains' bankai, Shuuhei's was similar to Ichigo's in that it took form around his person. His shihakusho had long sleeves fluttering in the vortex of his power, a long hood covering his head which was down, his face not visible. Instead of white the outline and belt were blood red and he held two scythes. When he lifted his head everyone gasped. His face was covered by a helmet, the face shaped like a demon with protruding horns.

Lifting his arms made his sleeves slide back revealing black chain wrapped over the entirety of his body.

The eyes in the mask glowed white, Shuuhei and Kazeshini's powers pulsing. Behind Mayuri stood his Bankai ready to strike.

"This is the end boy. Your foolhardiness will get not only yourself but everyone in here killed."

Shuuhei grinned from behind his mask. Despite his confident words he'd detected the faintest hint of nervousness in the captain's voice. "We'll see about that," he said lowly.

The next moment Ashisogi Jizō was surging forward, its grotesque head bearing down as his poison rushed before him. Shuuhei shot forward holding his breath. Getting under the massive baby-headed creature he slammed one scythe deep into the ground before heading up, chain releasing from his body as he whipped around and around the worm like monster.

He tightened the bind and with a howl of protest Ashisogi Jizō tugged against his restraints. Slamming down the other scythe Shuuhei shouted, "Reaper's Vortex Saw!"

Immediately the chain released hundreds of saw teeth and began rotating at incredible speed, the tiny blade slicing through Mayuri's bankai in a torrent of angry buzzing, his roar echoing on the stone walls.

"No!" shouted Mayuri running forward striking Shuuhei in the back but his poison filled blade slammed against hard metal. His opponent turned back around settling his glowing eyes on the captain.

"Time to end this," he said pulling his scythes back to him after Ashisogi Jizō has evaporated. But before he could attack he felt a new overwhelming power source building. Still protected by his bankai he risked a look behind him. There was Ichigo facing off with his hollow and it was apparent a whole lot of shit was about to hit the fan.

Heaving deep breaths Ichigo stood motionless, Zangetsu still pointed forwarded. If he knew anything about his hollow it was that he wouldn't stay down so easily. A deep low growl met his ears and his eyes grew wide as he watched the hollow transform into his bull form. With a monstrous roar he shot towards Ichigo at incredible speed, slamming him against the wall and knocking the breath out of his lungs.

He grabbed the amulet but the next moment roared out in pain whipping his head around. In his back protruded numerous arrows and Uryuu was readying another shot. Releasing Ichigo he turned his attention to the Quincy, which was exactly what he wanted.

"Now!" he shouted and Byakuya, Toshiro and Renji all released their Shikai. A torrent of ice hit the hollow first followed by pink blades. As he roared Renji's sword crushed and slashed from multiple angles cutting his flesh deeply making him lose his grip on the amulet. Ichigo saw it fall and using what little strength he had left shot forward to grab it. The hollow was roaring in anger, focus solely on those who'd attacked him, giving Ichigo time to get back. What he was going to do with the thing now he didn't know, but at least it was back in his possession.

Planting his feet, the hollow began drawing power to create a giant cero between his horns.

"Get back!" Kisuke shouted from above. Everyone took cover. The blast was immense, leveling most of the ground and drilling a hole into the mountain side while obliterating any hollows in its wake. Turning around he set his sights back on Ichigo, another cero building up between his horns, the angry crackling noise echoing off the cavernous walls. Ichigo stood his ground using Zangetsu to prop himself up, teeth clenched while blood ran down his arm.

"I hope this works," he thought taking in a ragged breath. His ribs hurt, undoubtedly some broken thanks to being squeezed like a fresh orange.

The air grew heavy adding to his difficulty breathing and it took all his concentration to remain upright let alone wind his muscles and get ready to spring. Even so, he risked a look at Orihime. Her eyes fastened on his immediately, the moment reminiscent of the many times when he'd reach this point; a point of no return and he'd look for her and she'd be there watching him, pulling for him, looking as if she were pouring every ounce of her heart and soul into willing he would win. Why did he always learn things the hard way?

Orihime's pulse was pounding in her ears, dried blood cracking on sweat soaked skin as her clenched hands turned the knuckles white. What was Ichigo doing just standing there? With a sinking horror she suddenly realized his plan, but before she could open her mouth, before she could call out to him that they would figure out another way she heard him speak clear as day over the cacophony of noise going on around them.

"I love you Orihime."

It was as if everything was happening in slow motion. The cero launched and Ichigo took aim, flinging the amulet into the oncoming crimson tidal wave. But Orihime kept her eyes on him, a scream tearing from her throat as his body flew back violently into the wall. To make sure the amulet was fully engulfed he'd stayed too close to center of the blast and wasn't able to get out of the way in time.

A heartbeat of silence fell over the room. Then, with an earsplitting shriek, the hollow fell to his knees, his body twisting in agony while his flesh began to glow. Orihime heard none of it; not the bellows of anguish or Kisuke shouting from the above through the newly opened hole that they needed to get out. All she could focus on was getting to Ichigo, in her panic forgetting her inability to heal.

Just as she was about to reach where she'd seen him fall she felt herself whisked upwards. Screaming and struggling she turned in her captor's arms, eyes wide in horror when they fell upon the sight of the hollow's body burning with a white hot heat. One long, last howl of pain followed them up the walls of the pit before a tremendous explosion erupted.

Debris flew hard and fast, some hitting shinigami as they fled. As the dust settled, bodies previously strewn about rising shakily to their feet, Orihime fell limp in Shuuhei's embrace.

Ichigo was dead. And it was all her fault.

The last sight she recalled was of Tatsuki crying in Chad's arms before the world turned black.

Author's Note: Please don't hate me! I know Ichigo has had it rough in this story but sometimes our choices make life, and death, hard. I promise it's not as bad as it seems. Also, I know this is a ShuuHime love story but when Ichigo's involved he can't not be heroic and kind of steal the show. Hopefully this felt well-paced. Also, very nervous to have created a bankai for the first time, hopefully it made sense and fit with Kazeshini. Please forgive another cliff hanger, but I wanted to get this out to you beautiful people. I have most of chapter 26 outlined, just have to write it. Reviews feed the muse so please let me know your thoughts (just please don't yell at me too much because of Ichigo).