Hey guys, so far the response has been fairly positive so thanks a lot!

Anyway, lets get down to it – chapter 6!

******

Time slows when something horrific happens. You watch a kid fall off their bike; time slows as their head comes nearer to the floor. You see a car crash, time slows as one car ploughs into another. And so on. For Orihime Inoue, watching Aizen land a fatal blow on the back of Ulquiorra Cifer seemed like it would last a lifetime. Once the current lord of Las Noches had stepped back through the Garganta she came to her senses and ran to the bleeding man.

What have I done?! She thought frantically as she noticed the blood still pouring freely from the open wound. For of course she blamed herself. If it hadn't been for her, this wouldn't have happened - Ulquiorra would of just faded away in to the wind and been lost forever. But because of her he was now lying facedown in a pool of his own fluid, bleeding profusely.

She knew she had to do something but the sight of the broken man before her was a complete shock to the system. After watching the intensity of his battle with Ichigo, the fact that after a matter of minutes he had been defeated so easily really showed him for what he was now – breakable, human.

The task before her should have been easy, healing a wound was nothing compared to what she had previously achieved but she needed to pull herself together otherwise her attempt would be useless.

Breath Orihime – get a grip!

Breathing shakily she began to regain her composure. Yet again raising her hand to her azure hairpins she called out – "Soten Kisshun – I reject." And her yellow shield spread out over the long gash in Ulquiorra's back.

Even now, the somewhat simple task of healing a wound seemed to amaze Orihime. When her brother had bestowed the gift of the hairpins on her, she had never imagined the power they would contain. Funny, she thought, that her power would manifest itself in the last thing her dear brother had ever given her. Funny, but somewhat fitting. He was always the one to give her strength after all.

Slowly, the canyon of a wound that was the slice in Ulquiorra's back began to close, the flesh knitting itself back together. It took concentration on Orihime's behalf, but after what seemed like forever (for she was still fairly worn down from the original resurrection of her captor), the wound had closed leaving not even a faint line to prove it had once been a fatal injury.

Work done, despite the fact it probably wasn't safe, Orihime flopped back and slipped into a light, but well deserved slumber.

Saving people sure is hard work… She thought, smiling as she entered the world of dreams.

********

So this is true death Ulquiorra CIfer thought as the pain and blood loss of his wound over took him. I've seen an angel, am I truly redeemed?

If he still had control of his bodily functions, there's a chance you may have seen a flicker of a smile cross his lips, but as it was he seemed to currently be separated from his body.

Such a strange day. A total understatement for anyone viewing the situation from the outside, but Ulquiorra wasn't one to exaggerate so strange seemed to fit current events perfectly.

He'd been irrevocably betrayed by the one man he had pledged total loyalty to and if there were one reason Ulquiorra would want to be brought back from this back abyss once more it would be to seek revenge against his former lord. Aizen-sama he thought with disgust, and maybe a twinge of… regret?

His newly found human form would not let him escape his fate without feeling a sense of bitterness at the fact his loyalty had been thrown back in his no longer tear stained face.

Still reflecting on this, his body growing colder by the minute he suddenly felt a stifling heat take over his back. It wasn't the painful heat of a sword slash, more like the heat of the sun on a summer's day. This is it then he thought. No longer cold he believed that he was about to meet his maker, as it were. Preparing to lose himself to the heat he tried to drown out all thoughts of betrayal and let himself slip into the void for the final time. However, as he lay there he began to feel more and more conscious?

How this could be possible, he just did not know. As his eyes began to blur back into focus he realized that he lay in exactly the same place he had fallen in his previous battle with Aizen – on the stone cold floor of Las Noches.

Impossible!

Revived again, what kind of cruel fate was this?! Every time Ulquiorra believed he was about to perish he was brought back to this world by a blinding light.

What kind of God would bring someone back over and over again? It seemed if there were a God, he was playing a cruel game indeed.

And then he realized. Not a God. An orange haired anomaly. A human who defied the laws of the world so completely it was almost unbelievable. But here she was anyway, passed out from exhaustion on the floor next to her former captor, happiness obvious on her porcelain face.

Why does she keep saving me?! I was never kind to her; only in my last moments did I realize I felt anything other than disdain for her so why?!

With a sigh, knowing that he would get no answers until she had awakened in her own time, he removed himself from the pool of his own blood and lay down on his back, arms behind his head. Without even realizing, for he had not slept in many years and had almost forgotten what sleep was, his eyes closed and he slipped into a fitful slumber, years of sleepless nights making his dreams more vivid than he could of imagined.

**********

When Ichigo had finally made it back to Hanataro, carrying the Quincy Uryu Ishida on his back, he felt like he'd fought a million battles and ran a million miles. The guilt he felt at leaving Orihime to run after the Espada was crushing, but he knew if he hadn't let her go, there was a 99% chance that the Quincy would have died out there in the sands. Silently he cursed himself for being so impatient.

Inoue could have healed him if I hadn't pushed her to leave with us! He thought angrily as Hanataro ran towards them. Gently lowering Uryu to the ground he left the fate of his friend to the healers before him. He hadn't noticed Vice-Captain Isane's presence before, having not really interacted with her before, but it relieved him greatly that she happened to be there. Having the second best healer in the Seireitei here to help his injured friend cheered him greatly. As did the fact that standing a way back was his dear friend Rukia Kuchiki. Her brother was there also, which he had slightly more neutral feelings about. Although he now accepted Rukia and looked out for her, he could never quite forget that he had almost sacrificed her to uphold the law.

But that wasn't important right now. What was important was getting his Quincy friend healed up and then going back after Orihime.

The two nobles in the background appeared before Ichigo, one looking impassive as usual, and the other concern obvious on her face.

"Ichigo… what happened?" Her voice cracked as she looked on at the scene before her, healing light now illuminating Uryu.

Ichigo took a moment to consider how to retell the events that had just taken place. How could he tell them that he was once again victim to his inner hollow? How could he then tell them that his opponent had been resurrected by none other than their friend Orihime Inoue. She was already considered a traitor by half the Soul Society, so it really wasn't going to look good that she'd healed and then ran off after the former Espada.

Slowly Ichigo began his tale, omitting the depth of his hollow transformation but admitting that it was he who impaled the Quincy. Byakuya raised an eyebrow at this piece of information but said nothing. Rukia looked on in utter shock and the healers felt pity, for being of a more caring nature than the other squads they understood the guilt the substitute shinigami must be feeling.

It hurt Ichigo to see the shock and hurt on Rukia's face as he told her the rest of the story. Although they bickered endlessly he loved her dearly, although as more than a friend he did not yet know. All he knew was that of all the people he knew, it hurt him the most to see her upset. She was normally so hardy and unwavering. The betrayal they felt towards Orihime was reflected on both their faces, although you could tell either of them would still run after her in a heartbeat. That's what true friendship meant to them. Although bad decisions were made, they understood that there must be reasons behind it, and so would not discard her as easily as some friends would.

When Rukia voiced that she wished to pursue their friend her brother's reaction shocked her the most. She had been expecting some sort of order for her to stay but that was not the case.

"If you feel the need to pursue the human then you must accept that I am to come with you. Whether the fourth Espada is now also human or not he is still a threat, and I do not feel it correct to leave his demise to you and your friends." The noble stated.

Rukia could not believe her ears. "Nii-Sama! Are you sure?" Her brother would be accompanying her. Something like this had never happened before. Mostly, her adopted brother had ignored her presence as much as possible.

"Quite sure." Came the curt reply. "Kurosaki, you will also be accompanying us, am I correct?"

Stupid question, Ichigo wanted to reply. But given the situation he deemed that a nod and a quick yes would probably be best.

And so it was decided. The two Kuchiki's and Ichigo Kurosaki would pursue Orihime and Ulquiorra, while Uryu Ishida would be left in the care of the two division four healers until he had recovered. If the former had not returned before the latter had recuperated then they were to follow and assist in any way they could.

Ichigo found this arrangement fairly crazy. Taking off on a rescue mission with the leader of the Noble Kuchiki family who also happened to be the Captain of the sixth division of the Gotei 13 was not how he'd imagined this rescue mission panning out.

But then, the way he'd imagined it was that'd he'd rescue Orihime, kick Aizen's butt and then get the hell out of there.

He had to fix it, he thought to himself as they flash stepped away into the desert.

He had to fix it or he'd carry the guilt of what had happened for the rest of his life. And shinigami, even substitute ones live for a very long time.

************

Back within the walls of Las Noches Orihime began to stir from her fitful slumber. It had felt good to get some rest and even though she had drifted in and out of sleep her body felt thoroughly refreshed. It was only someone like Orihime who could at that moment in time feel anything that felt like happiness. But for once she felt good about herself. Turning to look at the former fourth Espada who was twitching from some sort of lucid dream she smiled, taking in the fact that twice in a day she had saved him.

In a sleeping state he looked so peaceful, it was hard to imagine this was the same man who had kept her captive for so long. Although it was true that the tear marks and the helmet were gone his general facial structure was still the same, and at that moment a thought crossed Orihime's mind that he could perhaps be beautiful? She had changed him, that's for sure. His skin seemed to be glowing compared to his previous complexion and his hair held a new shine. Slowly Orihime crawled over to Ulquiorra to inspect him further while he was sleeping and she didn't have those piercing green eyes looking down upon her for once.

Yes She decided. He is beautiful. But deadly. And probably quite angry with her. Though that still didn't stop her from taking a hand slowly down to his flawless face. Before she actually reached his skin a hand shot up and grabbed her wrist.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you woman" That cold voice rung out as Ulquiorra's emerald eyes snapped open.

Orihime, shocked, tried to jump back but was still in the clutches of the pale mans large hand.

"Uh, I… Um…" She began, trying in vain to string together a sentence.

"Don't speak, unless it is to answer my question." Ulquiorra cut her off, his authorative tone still present in his voice. His eyes bore in to her and she felt that if he looked any more intensely he'd probably be looking right at her soul.

Ulquiorra was baffled by this woman. She looked absolutely terrified of him, yet every time he came close to death she unrelentingly worked to bring him back. He needed to understand. If he were really to live a human life, he supposed he would need to understand their actions and reactions to get by.

Releasing Orihime's wrist from his grip he began again attempting a slightly gentler tone, although still seeming impassive.

"Woman, once again you have saved me, I would like to know why. You do not owe me any favors yet you seem determined to keep me alive. Why is that?" Those soul piercing eyes looked upon her once again.

Orihime had sometimes, since his resurrection, wondered this herself. But over time had managed to come up with some semblance of a comprehensible answer.

"Well, you see… You seem to think you're someone not worthy of being saved. But I think differently. The first time I saved you, it was because I knew in your last moments you had realized something important – what the heart means. And the second time I saved you because you deserve a chance to use that knowledge…" She trailed off.

"I see." Ulquiorra considered her words. Had he really found a heart? Yes. He believed that he had. He'd reached out to her, wanted her to understand. He was sorry. But he had thought his death would satisfy her. Which now with human emotions he saw was incorrect, humans loathed death.

Orihime felt doubt creep up upon her. "Ulquiorra-san, I… I'm sorry if I did wrong. If you're angry then… then I apologize from the bottom of my heart!" Tears began to well up in her grey eyes.

Heart… It came up so often with this woman, Ulquiorra thought to himself. Was he really angry her? No, confused maybe but angry no. He had thought he was at first, and he still was not happy at the fact he'd been reduced to the level of a human but now he'd found a new purpose.

"Woman, stop your worrying, it's annoying. I am not angry with you. I've found a new purpose." He told her with a hint of irritation in his voice as she sniffled tearfully.

Orihime felt hopeful. "A purpose?" Well that was a start, wasn't it?

'Yes woman, a purpose. While lying here considering what I would do now that I have been deserted by my lord and most likely my kin seeing as I am now no longer one of them I realized something. I felt another feeling I've never felt before. A thirst for revenge…" He began, unusually talkative as he had always been in front of the orange haired human.

She tried to question him, but he cut her off.

"Do not interrupt woman, I am merely gathering my thoughts, not leaving you a space to speak."

Abrupt as always, Orihime thought as she promptly stopped speaking.

Ulquiorra began again. "I have been betrayed. I find this unacceptable. My former lord is now my sworn enemy. We're it not for you I would of perished on this marble floor. But because of you I have been given a second chance. For revenge."

Orihime was truly shocked. She was not sure what was going to happen but it certainly wasn't that. Revenge! Does that mean he's on our side now? She voiced this question quietly, hoping he wouldn't snap at her again.

"No woman, I am on no one's side but my own. But I promise you this, there are no ties binding me to that man any longer. I won't rest until his blood stains the floor of this castle. Even if it takes me a thousand years to regain my power, I will bring that piece of trash to his knees." His human emotions were taking over once again. He felt true anger build inside of him. And suddenly he lapsed into silence again. Not in all his memory could he think of a time he had spoken so much, and with as much fervor.

He was shocked at himself.

How could he possibly hope to regain his powers? He was human now. Downcast he looked away from Orihime, not sure how to carry on.

She knew his words were empty, well she knew he truly wanted revenge but she also knew that he had no idea how to regain his powers.

Fortunately for Ulquiorra, Orihime had a plan.

"Ulquiorra-san, I'm sorry to interrupt your thoughts but I would like to ask you something…" She began not sure how he would react.

Ulquiorra's head snapped back to look at her. She had a glint in her eye, which made him wonder what she was up to.

"Well, woman? What is it you wish to ask of me?"

Although the former Espada had told her that he held alliances with no one now, she felt in her heart that his desire for revenge would be more of a help than a hindrance to her dear friends and so she decided to continue, tentatively but determined to see her plan through.

"I.. I was just wondering if without your powers you could still open a garganta?"

The Espada turned human looked at her suspiciously. What was she up to?

"Anyone with an ounce of spiritual energy can open a garganta as long as they know how to do it" He replied as if it were obvious.

Orihime's eyes lit up.

"That's great! Do you think you could open one to the human world right now?" She asked excitedly.

"Not until you tell me why woman."

"Ulquiorra-san, please just trust me. I've helped you this far haven't I? She replied pleadingly.

Ulquiorra contemplated the situation. It was true that she had saved him - twice but he had no real desire to return to the human world. He suspected his presence would not be greatly appreciated by the Shinigami who were currently battling there. However, he thought, how can he possibly deny her? She who had risked everything to keep him safe.

"Very well." He replied, deciding to trust her judgment, like not many others would.

As they stepped into the now opened garganta he felt a sense of foreboding. Whatever was to come would not be easy. He belonged with no one. Had alliances with no one. It certainly wasn't going to be straightforward from here on out.

From the doorway that Orihime had entered when she had first discovered Ulquiorra bleeding to death, three figures - two with black hair and one with flaming orange hair stared in disbelief as their friend disappeared though a hole in the very fabric of space with her former captor and enemy Ulquiorra Cifer. They were too late. How would they reach her now…

******

Back in Karakura, Kisuke Urahara sat bored out the front of his shop. It had been a slow day seeing as he was now no longer receiving product orders from the Seireitei while the Captain Commander was currently engaged in battle.

So boring… Kisuke thought to himself. I wish something would just happen already. Despite coming off as somewhat lazy on occasions it didn't please him when he was pretty much forced into having nothing to do.

He thrived on excitement, and being stuck in the real Karakura, holding the fort as it were with Tessai held nothing of the sort.

As he was dweilling on how very bored he was, suddenly he heard a tell tale rip in the fabric of the spirit particles in front of his shop.

Suddenly alert he drew Benehime, wondering at who, or what was going to pop out of that garganta.

As the whole slowly opened he prepared himself for battle. But what was revealed was not something he had at all expected.

"Orihime my dear, so lovely to see you again" He exclaimed, enthused. "But who is this lovely young gentleman you've brought along with you?!" He continued in the same tone, until he realized just exactly who this "lovely young man" was.

Kisuke Urahara had wished for something to happen to alleviate his boredom. And you know what they say, be careful what you wish for.

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A/N so it had been brought to my attention that my chapters were a bit short and I decided to try and bulk up a bit, what do you think?!

This took sooo long to do.

Review please, its people liking my writing that keeps me going with this!