I still don't own bleach, but when I win the lottery….

Good-Byes

"Take a look at me now
I'll just be standing here
And you coming back to me
Is against the odds
And that's a chance I've gotta face"

Against All Odds. The Postal Service

It was silent as everyone crossed the tunnel Orihime had created into Urahaha's shop. Orihime was a subject of study in the silence. She could feel their staring eyes and the weight pressing down on her heart grew, please don't try to stop me when we get there she prayed silently. She knew her friends would have the best of intentions but she had to follow through with her promise to Aizen. It would give them a chance, and she made a promise to herself too, she had to destroy the Hōgyoku before she could ever return home. Home, she missed it already, she missed the colours, the smells, the sounds. Hueco Mendo was so white so plain, it was a neglected canvas that would never feel an artist's loving stroke. She would endure though; she would do anything for her friends. She glanced at them walking behind her from the corner of her eye. They all looked to be lost in their own thoughts as the watched her. Something caught her eye and held it for a second. Deep green eyes were studying her, and it was disconcerting. He didn't break eye contact like any other person would have when caught staring, no if anything he stared at her more intensely as if trying to read her thoughts. She inhaled sharply at this thought before turning back to the path in front of her.

"He doesn't understand you, and it confuses the hell out of him. It's really funny by the way, Ulquiorra is used to calculating everyone's future moves." Grimmjow spoke softly in Orihime's ear as she helped him walk. "Don't be frightened though. Ulquiorra would never harm you unless under strict orders, he doesn't believe in undue violence. Just do whatever Aizen tells you without hesitation and you should be fine. Stay away from Nnoitoira and Halibel, they want to rip you to shreds." Orihime was shocked by this show of kindness. Grimmjow was trying to help her.

"Thank you." Orihime replied quietly, "Just one question though, you say Ulquiorra never uses violence unless ordered, was he ordered to kill Ichigo that time?" Orihime shuddered as she remembered the gaping whole in Ichigo's chest. Grimmjow's lips thinned out into a firm line. That fact had been bothering him too, why did Ulquiorra attack Ichigo when Aizen had ordered no one to intentionally seek out the invaders? It was out of character. He had already found Ichigo's skill wanting and determined him to be no real threat; Ulquiorra would see no need for further aggression. There had to have been another reason though…Ulquiorra did nothing unless it had an objective.

"Look woman, Ulquiorra doesn't piss unless Aizen orders him to; he had a reason for it. Don't worry if there is anyone you can put any amount of trust in, it will be Ulquiorra. At the same time if Aizen finds you to be of no use, and orders it to be done, Ulquiorra will be the first to cut your throat."

They had arrived in Urahaha's shop and the heavy silence was finally broken. There was noise coming from upstairs now, a distinct bang, someone was heading towards the trap door. Most likely Urahaha, he couldn't have missed the sudden congregation of riatsu in his basement.

"That won't do right now" Orihime muttered under her breath. She raised her arm towards the entrance of the basement and there her shield formed, preventing anyone's entrance. The action reminded her she didn't have much time.

"I need to go back now." She spoke softly.

"Inoue you ARE NOT going back there." Ichigo grabbed her arms, "We won't let you go back."

"I do not believe you have any say in the matter. The woman already gave her word." Ulquiorra calmly spoke from where he was standing off to the side with his arms crossed.

"Listen you- " Ichigo began as he turned towards Ulquiorra.

"Ichigo please don't, he's right. Before I go you guys have to make me a promise. You must promise to heal, become stronger, and then defeat Aizen. I'll be cheering for you." Orihime removed Ichigo's hands from her arms and walked towards Ulquiorra. "We need to head back. I'm sure my time is nearly up now." Orihime spoke softly to Ulquiorra but she never raised her eyes to look at him

This woman is strange. Ulquiorra just considered her for a moment. She still refused to look at him. She was leaving her friends behind, bargaining her life for their safety. It was ridiculous, emotion was nothing but a debilitating weakness for anyone cursed with it. She was upset, she didn't want to go, there was only one end awaiting her under Aizen, yet she willingly was going to give her life. Sacrifice was synonymous with stupidity, and the definition of this woman was martyr. It didn't matter to him though, he reminded himself, as long as she obeyed Aizen's orders. He opened a garganta and pulled her in, back to Hueco Mundo, before there were any more objections.