Disclaimer: I. Own. NOTHING.
"I'll do it," the substitute declared, "under one condition."
Aizen smiled down at him indulgently. "Which is…?"
True to his foolhardily brave nature, Ichigo glared back. "Let Inoue go."
"She will be free to leave," the tyrant promised.
The subsitute nodded, even as the Hogyoku thrummed to life. He thought of her smile, he thought of seeing it in sunlight again. He thought—
"Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu."
Orihime tripped from shattering emptiness onto the cold, cold tiles. If the Arrancar that was once Ichigo had lingered, he might have hesitated at her tears… but it was too late for them now.
A/N: I'd say not to be mad for using an angst one as a gift, but it's only the first half!