Her new espada powers were amazing. She could do things that she had never thought possible-for her anyway. Still, she felt that she was being held back. It was him. His face kept flashing in her mind. Kurosaki. She had to end things with him once and for all. That is why she felt relief more than unease when Aizen had actually ordered her to end things.

She waited beside Ulquiorra, a little uneasy but hiding it well. They had arrived in Karakura town in the same place where she had first laid eyes on Ulquiorra. It was nostalgic-but completely annoying. It annoyed her when she was reminded of how weak she was when she was a human. The scene replayed in her head. Tatsuki getting hurt and her needing to be saved by Ichigo. It frustrated her. Now, that was all over. She could fend for herself. It wasn't long until they were standing face-to-face with Ichigo and Rukia.

"Kurosaki..." Orihime had begun the conversation, saying no more than a single word.

"In...oue? What is...what are you doing?" He stood in awe. "You've got to be joking...this isn't...this isn't happening!" He yelled. "Inoue, why?"

"Don't follow me, Kurosaki. And don't you dare do anything to interfere with Aizen-sama's plans." She drew her sword inches from his neck. "I will take care of you if you do." Ichigo, still in awe, just stood there and stared at her. He closed his eyes.

"Inoue," Rukia said. "I will not let you hurt Ichigo! Tsugi no Mai! Hakuren!" In the next instant, Orihime stood frozen in a block of ice. Ulquiorra had begun to move into an attacking position when the ice had begun to crack. It shattered, sending shards scattering everywhere. The newest arrancar was now sporting white wings, shining brilliantly in the sun. The only thing more beautiful, Ulquiorra noted, was the crown resting on her head made out of pure silver and diamonds. Together with her wings and crown, she was almost too bright to look at. Reiatsu poured from her body so much that it forced Ichigo, Rukia, and even Ulquiorra to their knees.

"Hime..." Ulquiorra said amazed. "Control your power!" He forced himself to his feet and grabbed her arm. She turned and looked at him, finally realizing the immense power she was emitting. She closed her eyes and the wings and crown disappeared as the reiatsu was dissipating. She was back to normal once again.

"It's over, Kurosaki. Everything is over." Orihime said, only slight regret showing on her face.

"Come, Hime, let's go." Ulquiorra said as Rukia and Ichigo were still trying to recover. Orihime nodded, taking his hand. She looked into his eyes. She didn't know why she felt this way toward him. He turned from her, never showing his true emotions for her.

"Let's go." She opened Gargantua herself, amazing Ulquiorra once again. They walked together into the throne room.

"Hime," Ulquiorra said while bowing, "has quite amazing powers."

"Using pet names, Ulquiorra?" Grimmjow asked from a corner with a smirk. It was then that the two realized that all of the other espada were also gathered in the room.

"Of course not," Ulquiorra answered bluntly.

"Enough," Aizen commanded. "Show me what happened, Ulquiorra."

"Yes, my Lord." Ulquiorra pulled his eye out and smashed it, allowing the other occupants of the room to witness what had happened as if they were there themselves.

"Very interesting indeed." Aizen said with a smile on his face. "Orihime, you have become very powerful indeed. I am beginning to think that the number three does not suit you well enough, my dear."

At this, her eyes widened. What was he talking about? Surely he wasn't promoting her, she was still only a new espada member. There was now way. Her mind was racing.

"Of course," he continued, "we cannot be sure of your true power until you are put into battle. How about it, Orihime? Would you be willing to accept a new position of authority above your new-found comrades?"

"This is so much...in such a short time!" She said amazed. "I...I don't know!"

"That is understandable," Aizen answered her. "I will give you 24 hours to decide. I will expect your decision tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it."