Chapter Two

Happy Birthday Happy Birthday…

September third Ishida Uryû noted the date on the calendar. Orihime's birthday was today. After all that happened the previous few nights with the Hollows and his father he barely had time to consider someone's birthday. But this wasn't just any someone it was Orihime so he took the time. He half convinced himself that it was out of friendship. His other half wanted to stand out in her mind.

Stand out as what her protector…I think I love her.

Pushing his thoughts aside he quickly gathered his things and headed to school. The truth was everyone loved Orihime and standing around the campus it became clear as competition revolved around her.

Competition for her affection he never noticed because he believed himself better than all of them. Orihime only paid attention to them because she was that polite.

The moment Ichigo arrived to class it was a completely different story however as her focus shifted to him. As far as competition went at his current state he'd never get to the level Ichigo managed since returning from the Soul Society.

All the motivation he needed to accept his father's training was seeing that look in her eyes today. Despite Ichigo's distant response she smiled with her heart as she greeted him.

Orihime made his decision an easy one. If she only saw him as her protector he could accept it to see that look in her eyes. Then again he wasn't a complete fool he thought to himself as he sat down at his desk. He knew very well what it meant to be the last Quincy and he was determined to continue as his grandfather's legacy compelled it.

On the way to school earlier he had planned to talk to his father but put it off deciding to wait until later. It seemed the school day passed without a chance for him to speak to Orihime. He determined that they were avoiding him because they didn't want him involved in the fight.

The enemy they were up against didn't have the rules of the Soul Society over their head so they were not one to be taken lightly. They were rouge operating outside the Soul Society's authority. There would be no merciful stays in a holding cell to sort out their differences this time so he needed to have his Quincy power back for sure.

Staring at the plaque marking his father's offices Uryû contemplated just what it meant to be in his father's shoes.

His hand sat above the door staring at the name that represented a doctor, a father and a Quincy. One of the last someone who could teach him…the only person left that could teach him. So why couldn't he move from the spot he stood. This would have to wait he decided walking away from the door.

Without too much trouble he managed to find Orihime who was with Chad. The two were talking before he showed up but Chad claimed he was merely escorting Orihime home so she wouldn't be alone. The two of them trained together with Yoruichi-san so it made sense they'd reconnect to prepare for the next battle.

"I know I haven't been myself lately," Uryû said.

"Who have you been," Orihime asked.

The images of Orihime in the Soul Society flashed in his mind. Her incredible powers, bravery and beauty imprinted on his mind forever since that time. Above everything her wish to not be useless and help her friends regardless of the danger to herself made him honored to have spent time with her. He would regain his powers never to be useless and he would protect her no matter what danger he had to face.

"Never mind just take this," Uryû pulled his gift to her from his book bag.

"You remembered, thank you Ishida-kun," Orihime said hugging him.

"It's not necessary," he said straightening up.

Would it be wrong to hold you a little longer? Would it be wrong to breathe in the smell of your hair or bathe in the warmth of your smile so near to my cheek?

"Yes," he said out loud.

"Ishida-kun are you alright," she asked.

"Yes don't worry about me I'm fine," he said.

"Your powers may be gone but you're always looking out for me," she said.

It seemed as if she could cry at any moment. That was hardly the reaction he wanted. Anything close to pity he despised. He hoped it wasn't pity she felt for him. No Orihime was much too kind for that. He would train with his father if it meant the strength to protect her from tears.

"It's really nothing special. I should get going," he said.

"Yeah I promised Sado-kun I'd help him out with something," she said.

Uryû suddenly noticed Chad standing in the background. He had been so focused on Orihime he hardly paid attention to his presence.

"See you later then," he waved to Chad and walked way.

"Bye," Orihime called out to him and jogged after Chad.

He knew they were trying to hide what they were up to. Most likely they were going to face that strange new kid who showed up harassing Ichigo. He also knew the reason they kept him out of things and that was all the more reason for him to hurry to his father's offices.

Introduction Two

This point in the story:

Ichigo has been training with the Visoreds to control Hichigo (fan popular name or his inner Hollow). Uryû has been training with his father to regain his Quincy powers. Sado "Chad" Yasutora has been training with Renji at the Urahara Shop to get stronger after Ichigo leaves him out of the fight. Rukia and Orihime have trained in the Soul Society squad 13 barracks after Orihime is told she will be of no use in the upcoming fight with Aizen Sôsuke.

A diversionary fight between the Espada and Hitsugaya Advance Shinigami (Kuchiki Rukia, Abarai Renji, Madarame Ikkaku, Ayasegawa Yumichika, Matsumoto Rangiku and Hitsugaya Tôshirô) occurs. Orihime has left with Quattro Espada Ulquiorra Schiffer to Hueco Mundo and branded a traitor by Head Captain Yamamoto GenryusaiShigekuni.