Hey! Hope you guys like the second chapter. Let me know how you feel!

WARNING- this chapter can be a little violent…and long

Anyone put off by my slow burn comment …don't be. The tension buildup is what makes it all worth it! And it will be worth it! Also I wright Orihime as more of a badass. I always felt she could have been overpowered AF in bleach if her character was actually cared about more. But she is my girl and Ulquiorra is my man!

I will shut up now! Enjoy!

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Chapter 2: Testing

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"Now class…What did we learn today? Let us review. Who can answer me this! What is the Darkness?"

Little hand shot up. All were eager to answer the question. Their teacher smiled as she looked around the room. Her focus was on a boy with bright red hair.

"Renji stand up!"

The boy quickly got up. He was thrilled to be called on first.

"The Darkness are demons, Ms. Unohana!" Renji was proud of his answer as he sat back down.

"Very good…Now who can tell me what they look like?...Ikkaku?

"We don't know what they look like, they wear cloaks that help against our attacks. No one has seen their faces….if they have any.."

What are their weakness?...Nanao."

"Light. They cannot touch the sunlight. We are also their weakness. With our powers, if we touch their skin…we can burn them. When we infuse our light powers into weapons that is also a disadvantage for them,"

"Very good Nanao, thorough as always, but who can tell me our weakness against them?...Kira?"

A boy with blonde hair stood up. His expression was sad.

"They are extremely powerful…super fast and strong…their black smoke can kill us instantly…..they eat us…."

"Thank you Kira…now I want the whole class to answer together. When will your watching duties start?"

"18"

"Where do you go during an attack If you cannot flight?"

"The Light temple"

"And where must you never go?"

"Into the caves"

"That's a right! We must all be strong. Even teacher is a strong fighter, but always be careful…"

"You be careful Ms. Unohana!"

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Orihime opened her eyes. She has dreamt of the past. She sat up in her bed and looked out the window. It was still dark outside. Her brother was at his post today so of course she couldn't sleep. She put her head back down on her pillow and recalled her dream

That was the last class she had with Ms. Unohana. It was just a few days before the village was attacked for the first time in years. Orihime recalled the panic in the adult's faces. She did what she was told and ran towards the light temple. Sora grabbed his sword and joined everyone else. It all happened so fast, like a blur.

That's all she really remembered from that first attack when she was 10. She was in the light temple with all the other children till sunrise. She heard and saw nothing.

She remembered Sora came and got her. He had blood on his shirt, not his blood. They had lost village folk that night. Some were taken, for whatever reason, and others…. Were brutally killed. Ms. Unohana was one of them…

Orihime remembered going back into their hut that day to a sweet burnt smell. The pie. It was just a large ashy lump now. She didn't care at that moment, all she had thought about was when they would attack again. While walking back to their place Sora had covered her eyes. He didn't want her to see the blood still on the ground.

It had been 8 years since then. Many things have changed. The Darkness now came more regularly. Sometimes they would attack and other times they would just stand there almost as if they were taunting them. So many more deaths…so many more disappearances. Orihime had overheard Chief Yamamoto say that the other Light village 200 miles away was all but gone. It made Orihime feel helpless.

She wanted to use her power. She felt like her techniques could help. She was forbidden to do so. She didn't understand why. So all she was allowed to do was mimic everyone else's light magic.

Everyone used a weapon, like a sword or spear. They would then transfer their inner light into the weapon so that it glowed a soft yellow. More experienced fighters could even shoot beams of light out from the end of their weapons.

Orihime had to practice endlessly so that it looked like she had the same magic as everyone else. If she put her full power into a sword it was go up in flames and produce a large orange haze around her. It took almost a year of practice to just get her sword to glow with a yellow light. She was told orange would not do.

Why am I so different?

There was a rustling noise coming from outside. Ever so faint, but Orihime could sense something was out there. She got up from her bed and stood at the window. Nothing but complete blackness. Any other person would assume it was just an animal or the wind. Not Orihime. For the last couple of years she had always felt…. watched. Sometimes in her dreams she saw a pair of green eyes watching her. Often she got up and looked out the window for answers. Orihime often wondered if it was the Darkness. She felt silly thinking this. There was no way they would be watching her. Her hut was between two guard towers and 300 meters from the tree line.

The village itself was in the middle of a large clearing in the forest, with numerous trees scattered throughout the center. Around the village was a field used for crops and livestock. Then it was an endless forest and vast mountains. At the border of the village and near the tree line were guard towers. It was a double line security system. Rarely did the Darkness get into the heart of the village. Mostly the fighting happened in the fields and at the outskirts of the settlement.

For this reason, Orihime couldn't possibly fathom why any demon could be watching her when it put them at risk. It was also very close to dawn. The sun would rise soon and the creatures had to get back into their dark caves.

Stop being so curious about them….

Orihime only lingered at the window for a little while longer. Instead of going back to bed, she decided to make breakfast and wait for her brother. She also didn't want to waste any daylight today. She had training to do.

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Unknown to the auburn haired women, a cloaked figure stood in the forest. He was deep enough to not be seen. His green eyes fixated on a hut elevated in a tree. On her.

Why am I here watching this woman?

His orders had been clear, to watch the village for signs of the healer. Out of all his warrior brethren, he had the best eyesight. This task was for him alone. He knew the area in which the healer lived, but still not who.

Every night the hooded man waiting and observed. Many of the people lacked any short of aura.

The people of light are trash. Guards cannot even sense my presence. No one can…but her.

Once again it had happened. This strange woman gets up at night and looks out the window. To the dark figure it almost seemed like she looked right at him.

What a curious human you are, women.

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The sun was high in the sky now. Orihime found herself deep in the woods, her usual training spot. She wanted to test her limits again. Her real power, not the toned down version the village elder wanted from her. Many years she had come to this spot. It was far from where the hunters set traps and not near any fruit trees. No one in the village came this way.

Orihime picked up her sword and closed her eyes. She concentrated on all the light within her. Within seconds there was a haze around her and her sword shown a brilliant orange and was lit aflame. With one strong swing of her sword and bright flash came out the tip and propelled forward destroying the trees in a 50-foot radius.

Yes! I am getting better!

Only last year was Orihime able to annihilate things in her path within 30-feet. She quickly tossed her sword aside and raised her hands up while closing her eyes again. Soon after an orange radiance covered the whole area that had been destroyed. Orihime showed strain on her face. There were many objects to return to normal. She wanted to see how many she could do at once and how fast. Rapidly trees, grass, plants, and rocks began to rebuild themselves. When everything had gone back to normal, Orihime dropped to her knees and took deep breaths

"Less then 2 minutes…huff…. not bad…hufff…." She proudly said aloud.

Orihime quickly regained herself and did it again. She pushed harder each time she did it. She wanted to build up stamina as well not just skill. After the 4th time, She decided to take a break. She had destroyed the same surface area and regenerated it around the same amount of time as her first try. There was one more skill she needed to test and it was a dangerous method. She wanted to test her barriers strength and for that she needed to head towards the mountains.

Orihime picked up her sword and headed east. While she walked she thought about her powers. There were a lot of unanswered questions about her abilities. She knew her inner Light was far more powerful then anyone else. She also knew she had certain powers no one had; such has her barrier skills and her object regeneration. Orihime wasn't even sure what to call it. All she knew was that if she wanted something to be fixed it would go back to how it was before. She wanted to test this on as many things as she could.

Once, she had found an injured bird. Having never done a living creature before, she gave it a try. It had worked. She got a cut once, she tried and it worked. Then there was a time she found a dead fish on the riverbank. She attempted to bring it back to life, but had failed. Orihime never had problems with plants coming back to life but she guessed her power didn't work on animals that way. Orihime didn't have the heart to test this one. Killing an animal without purpose for an experiment seemed too cruel to her.

Does it matter how long it has been dead? If I kill an animal can I bring it back to life if I do it quickly? Or is all death final?

As the red heads mind wondered she reached the mountains. They were tall and vast. There were many passageways that led through the peaks as well as natural arches. Countless caves scattered the mountainsides, that her people said to never venture into. Orihime decided to start out less dangerous today. She walked herself a little down on of the pathways. When she looked up she saw that at the top some of the stones connected to the other sides, similar to a natural bridge.

Perfect

Orihime grabbed her sword and swung it upwards towards the rocks at the top. BOOM! They exploded sending down debris at a fast pace right at Orihime. Lifting her hand up, she formed what looked like a triangle above her head. The rocks smashed down onto her shield bouncing off violently. It had held again. It had even withheld the large boulders. Orihime returned the stone bridge and tried again. This time she wanted a bigger explosion with more rocks so it would test her shield.

After a few more times Orihime gave up. She was growing tired and she still had one more test to do. The real dangerous test, where she needed a cave. This was dangerous for two reasons:1- it was a cave where the Darkness dwell and 2- the walls and ceiling could all collapse upon her or crush her to death. Orihime was determined to do it. Never had she before and her last test was how fast she could put up her barrier. What better way to do so then being in a situation where rocks could crush you within a second?

It didn't take her long to find one…it was narrow and only around 6 and a half feet tall. She would need to react quickly. It was do or die. Orihime paused before entering the cave. She wasn't going in far; she would try and stay where the light touched. All her schooling about the Darkness made her hesitate. What if one is right there? She thought to herself. Without thinking she called out into the pitch-black cave.

"Hello?" her voiced echoed. "Is there anyone in there?" there was nothing but silence. Orihime shrugged. She knew she was being idiotic. She didn't even know if the Darkness talked or not or even if they could. Taking a step forward, Orihime froze. Her mind might have been playing tricks on her. She could have sworn she saw eyes watching her; green eyes. The same green eyes from her dreams. She didn't feel scared. She felt curious and excited almost like they were sucking her in. Before she could take another step she was snapped into reality by a familiar voice.

"Orihime? What are you doing?" A man with black hair and bright blue eyes wore a concerned look on his face. He was atop a brown horse followed by others. He picked up speed to get close to the red head. He felt his heart racing as he saw her standing in front of a cave with a strange expression.

Orihime blinked, bringing herself back to reality. Uryu was coming towards her. Then she realized the group behind him also on horses. Ahhh the hunters come along this way…

"Ah hi Uryu! How was hunting? Will there be a feast tonight? She looked up at him with a smile.

"That's not important…what were you doing going into a cave? Also WHAT are you doing out here?"

"Umm…exercise?" Orihime really couldn't think of a better excuse. Any lie she told, Uryu would see through anyway. They had been friends with each other since she was 5 and he was 7. He probably knew her better then anyone.

"Orihime! Don-"

"Give it a rest Ishida… lecture her on your own time. We need to get back. Hey Orihime..hop on! We will give you a ride back!" An orange haired man came into view. He glared at Uryu. He could tell his friend was rather flustered having found Orihime near a cave. He understood the concern but he was tired and wanted to get back to the village. There was food to roast and his lady to kiss after all.

"Thank Ichigo!" Orihime was thankful her other friend was apart of this hunting party. Like Uryu, she had been friends with Ichigo since she was 5. He was the same age as Uryu but different then him in everyway. Ichigo didn't really ask questions. It was a good buffer. Without hesitation she ran up to his horse and got on. Displeasure was all over Uryu's face.

The hunting party plus Orihime headed back to the village unaware that a pair of emerald eyes had been watching them.

So her name is Orihime…..

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It was almost time for the sun to set. Orihime was on watch tonight. She was still a little tired from her training earlier. It would be a long night. She put on her skintight sleeveless green tunic that ended above her mid thigh. Orihime always left her legs and arms uncovered. The more skin exposed the more of an advantage one had when the Darkness was close. Orihime did realize her look was…sexy. Her body had "serious" curves according to her brother's friend Rangiku. Her chest was well above average and sometimes she had troubles concealing them. In her current outfit they were hidden but being skintight defeated the purpose. Her outfit wasn't this way because she wanted to be sexy. She found looser clothes could hurt you in battle if they are grabbed or caught on something.

Sora walked in as Orihime was lacing up her knee high brown leather boots. He got nervous whenever she was on watch. What is she uses too much power? What if she is taken? His thoughts raced about all the possibilities. His head was held low as Orihime stood up and put on her belt.

"I am off brother! Don't worry okay?"

"Orihime….you aren't wearing that outfit again are you? I am not ready for men to ask for your hand in marriage yet…."

"Sora! Marriage…jeez!"

"Orihime…your 18 now..."

"Stop! When someone is near 30 does that make them go CRAZY?"

"Pulling out the old man jokes now… I see I see…"

"I learned from the best really,"

Both Sora and Orihime looked at each other and stared laughing. They really enjoyed joking around. It helped them on days like this when one of them had to go and watch. Orihime walked over to her brother and gave him a big hug.

"Love you, old man,"

"Love you too, man crusher"

Orihime gave her brother a little punch on the shoulder. With one last wave she walked down the ramp and off to her assigned post. Sora watched her walk off into the setting sun hoping that the night will not bring any demons.

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As Orihime approached her post she was surprised to see Uryu standing there. Her partner tonight was supposed to be her brothers' friend Yumichika.

"Uryu? What are you doing here? Thought you were with Renji today?"

"I switched. I wanted to spend time with you,"

Orihime gave a soft smile as she stood next to him. She knew what he wanted. He wanted to ask about today. She wasn't sure if she wanted to explain anything. He didn't know about her powers. He knew hers was different but he didn't know the extent. The village elders swore her and her brother to secrecy.

"Orihime?"

"Yes, Uryu?"

"There is some stuff I want to talk to you abo-"

"Look Uryu…I honestly don't know why I was near the cave. I was curious for only a moment, okay? I promise to never do it again.."

Uryu sighed deeply. He wasn't sure how he should say what he wanted to say. He had been preparing himself all day for this.

"No, that isn't exactly it…"

"Then what is it?" Orihime asked confused. He wasn't acting like himself. Normally they would talk about anything or joke around. She noticed he was acting nervous.

"We have been friends for…a really long time right?"

"Yep! About 13 years! Haha I remember we met while I was 5 and you were reading a book while everyone was playing. I couldn't have that!" Orihime giggled to herself recalling the memory.

"Ah yes…well….I really care for you Orihime…"

"Aww I really care about you too, Uryu!"

"No…What I am trying to say is…my feelings for you goes beyond friendship…."

Orihime's smile dropped. She could barely wrap her mind around his words. Never had she gotten that feeling from him. She felt very confused and unsure what to do next. Was Sora right about the outfit? Before Orihime could speak, Uryu continued talking.

"Look…I know this is a shock to you. I-I am sorry for that. It's just…I have felt this way for some time now…and when I saw you by that cave today…I just-I wanted...I just.."

GONG GONG GONG

Orihime and Uryu's faces went pale. The alarm had gone off. The Darkness was here. Orihime's heart began to race. There was no more time for love confessions; a battle was about to begin. Uryu grabbed Orihime's hands before she could move. They faced each other looking both trying to find the right words.

"Please be careful…" was all that Orihime could get out and she let go of his hand and stared to run. Only moments later Uryu snapped out of his daze and followed suit.

The battle had already started and the villagers were already pushed back towards the edge of the village. Many had come out of their houses ready to fight. As Orihime got closer she noticed that there was something different about this attack. Normally only a few showed up but this time it seemed like there was close to 50 members of Darkness. Flashes of light and dark smoke were already littering the battlefield.

Orihime grabbed her sword and focused. She was careful to make it glow the right amount. With a strong thrust she projected a light getting a direct hit on two Darkness in the process. They fell to the ground with an inhuman squeal. They had turned to ash. She had no time to celebrate another had gotten behind her with ultra fast speed and swung their weapon down onto her. Steal hit steal with a loud clank. They were very strong and large in size. Orihime was having trouble pushing it off. She had never been this close to them before. The opening of the cloak was so close to her. She couldn't see inside but she could feel hot breath on her face. It felt like they were toying with her. They pressed down again causing Orihime's feet to slide on the grass. She was getting overpowered and a black mist began to come from within its cloak. Orihime knew if that touched her it could consume and kill her. As a last ditch effort Orihime yelled and slammed her hand inside the opening of the cloak. She made contact with what felt like a human face and then she heard the scream. The scream sounded not of an animal, but of a human. The hooded figure then pushed back covering the spot she had touched with it's hand and started to back away. She had burned their skin.

Orihime wanted to get away from the large cloaked figure. She wouldn't have a chance like that again and she knew that they were strong and that she had pissed them off.

"Orihime! Quick help me move the wounded! We need to hurry!"

Orihime whipped around and saw that Ichigo and many others were moving the injured away from the fight. Many were cut with weapons and were bleeding out or worse they had been exposed to the black smoke. It was quickly spreading throughout their bodies. In 2 minutes without medicine they would die. There were so many. Orihime raced over and reached for her belt. Everyone on watch carried some medicine with them, she just wished it would be enough.

As fast as she could Orihime put white powder in their mouths hoping it wasn't too late. Everything seemed like a blurr. There was so much blood. Never had it been so bad before.

"I am almost out of medicine! We all need more!" a woman cried

Orihime looked over her shoulder at a supply table and ran off.

"I got it!"

Orihime ran faster then she thought possible. Hot tears started to fall from her eyes. So many were suffering. So many were dead already. She hated herself she wanted to use her power so badly.

Orihime…if you use your power in front of Darkness you will kill us all…

Chief Yamamoto's words rang in her head No NO NO I don't want that!

Orihime got to the supply table and grabbed a large pouch that contained medicine and started to run back. When she was about to reach the others something made her stop in her tracks. One of the darkness appeared and stood between her and everyone else. Orihime began to panic. They need the medicine… thinking quickly she tossed the sack as far as she could towards her comrades. Thankfully it landed where it needed to go. The member of Darkness didn't pay attention to what she tossed at all. Their eyes were straightforward on her. Orihime reached for her sword only to dread that fact it wasn't there. She had placed it down when she was giving people medicine. She looked up at the figure. It kept getting closer to her. Orihime then saw those familiar eyes staring at her. Without even meaning to she had stepped forward towards the figure. All the sound around her seemed to be muted as she stared at the emerald orbs.

They didn't attack. They didn't move. They just looked. Orihime strangely felt no fear. Orihime felt dazed. She only snapped out of it when she heard a familiar voice.

"ORIHIME!" Sora's voice was in a panic when she saw his sister within feet of one of the Darkness. He was out on the battlefield when he caught a glimpse of her red hair. He started to run without caring of his surroundings.

"Sora?" Orihime looked over at her brother who was coming towards her. The figure in front of her shifted its head in the direction of her brother.

Without warning the large member of darkness from before appeared behind Sora and stuck his weapon straight through Sora's stomach. With black smoke seeping from the wound. The large figure kicked his off his weapon making Sora crash to the ground.

"SORAAAA!" Orihime let out an ear-shattering scream and started to go to her brother.

No no no no no no no no! be okay be okay be okay….

When Orihime got to Sora she was mortified. Almost his whole stomach area had been ripped away. The black smoke was infecting his body rapidly. He was coughing up blood and somehow still clinging to life. Orihime began to cry. He was dying.

"Sora no! no! please NO!"

An orange haze began to form as it flickered on and off until Orihime let out a loud scream and slammed her hands on the ground. Instantly an orange glow surrounded Sora.

She had broken the rule. The number one rule….and she didn't care.

Orihime looked on as his wound stared to heal. She couldn't help but smile.

He is going to make it! He will make it! Just a little longer. Hold on Sora, hol-

Someone had come behind Orihime hitting her on the head, knocking her out cold.

The orange glow went away