It had been two years since her training with Matsumoto began. Orihime mastered the art of tea ceremony, playing the shamisen, and the movements of dance.
Tonight, under the clear star filled night, Orihime was to debut as a geisha.
Wrapped in a turquoise-and-orange silk kimono, hair piled atop her head and secured with red silk bands, face covered in a wash of white makeup, the young geisha was ready.
"Do not be scared, Orihime."
"Everyone is out there, waiting for me."
"Dance for Ichigo. Keep your eyes on him."
Orihime took a few quick calming breaths, "Thank you, Matsumoto-san."
The roar of claps greeted Orihime as she entered the courtyard.
The dance she performed was called The Dance of A thousand Water Lilies. It told the story of a young girl struggling to become a geisha and the sacrifices she encountered.
Her body moved with great precision, moving in tune with the music being player. Her eyes glued to Ichigo's amber ones. Orihime danced for her love, danced for his pleasure.
A ruckus in the crowd caught Orihime's attention. It was Momo.
"Take my kimono off, Orihime. Your filth will ruin it."
"You are not welcome here, Momo. Go back to Aizen."
"Aizen is not far. He will destroy all of you."
Momo began slashing at the beautiful kimono as Aizen and his invading army rushed through the gates.
The crowd scattered in a panicked frenzy. Running and screaming for their lives as the invaders shot arrows into the crowd.
Samurai from all over the compound ran to aid in the attack against Aizen.
Swords clanked together in the fierce battle as the once friends fought their own battle.
"Why are you better than me, Orihime?"
"What happened to you Momo? You were once a kind person."
"I grew tired of being passed by. Aizen showed me the way to happiness."
Clawing and hitting each other, Momo threw Orihime to the ground.
"Aizen destroyed your soul, Momo. Can you not see that?"
Momo slashed at Orihime's skin with the blade.
"There can only be one grand geisha, and it will be me."
Orihime used all her will and strength she had to reach a near by rock.
"I promise your death will be painless."
With a swift motion, Orihime crushed the rock against Momo's head, knocking her to the ground.
Ichigo, Gin and Isshin fought along side the samurai. This battle was a test of his power and will to lead his men into victory.
"You have nerve invading this land, Aizen"
"Gin, why so angry? Were we not friends?"
"I no longer call you friend, Aizen. You killed my men. You hurt our country, why?"
Aizen laughed,
"I was an outcast of your army. I chose this path when your captain removed my rank, banished me from this place. This is my revenge."
Aizen's men were out numbered. Some ran back into the darkness, while others fought to the death.
Orihime picked up the blade lying next to Momo,
"I will not die tonight, but Aizen will."
She rose to her feet. Carrying the blade, she made her way to Aizen. This was her chance to avenge the deaths of her father, mother, and brother.
She slowly approached him from behind. Raising the blade, she plunged it into his back. The injury is not mortal, the wound is not deep. Aizen falls on the ground, stunned, and turns back. She's upon him, ready for her attack.
"You stole my freedom. Tonight I will steal your life"
He smiles and plunges his blade into her stomach before she could make the final attack
"You are a stupid woman." His laugh stung her ears.
Orihime looked down to see the handle of the blade sticking out of her stomach. Her hand released the knife, letting it fall to the ground. Stunned, she fell off him and crawled away from his reach.
Ichigo sees Aizen slowly getting up, and in a quick motion he was on top of Aizen.
"You dare attack us. That was your last mistake."
Ichigo plunged his katana deep into Aizen's chest.
The battle may be over. Aizen may be dying, but the chaos ensued. Villagers screaming and crying. Samurai lying on the ground, wounded.
Ichigo scanned the area for Orihime. He asked everyone he knew if they have seen her, and all said no.
"Rangiku-san, have you seen Orihime?"
"I have not, Kurosaki-kun."
He continued his search for Orihime.
"Captain Ichimaru, have you seen Orihime?"
"No, Ichigo. She may have gone home. Have you checked the healing house?"
The sky grew lighter with the morning sunrise as he caught sight of Orihime lying on the ground.
"Orihime!"
Ichigo ran franticly towards Orihime's lifeless body lying in the courtyard. He pushed and shoved anyone who got in his way.
"Orihime!"