A/N: Pardon the late update! The lack of reviews for the last chapter were depressing for me which did not help in speeding up the update. This was quite a challenge which took me longer than expected – fight scenes are not my forte, please bear with me.

Disclaimer: Do I own Bleach? No way, if I did, it won't be filled with a feeble plot and never ending boring fights; And I'd make my pairings clearer so there won't be delusional non-IchiHime supporters who think otherwise.

Heroes Come Back

Chapter 4

Scene 1

"The Kuchikis send their request to postpone the wedding, as the lady of the house has fallen very sick."

"I see, how unfortunate. Send a hamper of herbs and tonics to them, with our very best regards."

A delay in the wedding didn't amount to a commotion. After all, it won't affect his plans. Aizen Sousuke can't help but smirked as he unfolded the precious Kuchiki scroll.

That Inoue girl had better give him the Red Scarlet, soon!

He was only one step away from attaining all power and glory. Once he'd lay his hands on the national treasure, he'd have that amount of wealth could not only feed a country but could change and even destroy the world.

With such great power comes great responsibility, but once in the wrong hands, will most definitely lead to a catastrophe.

Gin, I'm counting on you!

Scene 2

The air smelled of kerosene as Uluqiorra finished splashing the last bit of the flammable liquid around the walls of the dungeon.

"Your dear Ichigo will come for you – but once we lay our hands on the Red Scarlet, the both of you are worthless. The both of you can be together forever, by burning to death in this dungeon."

Her eyes widened with the revelation he had shared with her. So that was Aizen Sousuke's plan! She prayed that Ichigo had better not come for her, Uluqiorra would hurt the both of them anyway!

"What a waste of a true beauty…"

Thin long fingers reached for the front of her drenched yukata. She jerked as Uluqiorra started to caress her huge mounds. Biting her lips, she refused to make any noise for him, whether it was disgust, or undeniable pleasure. Instead, she stared at him coldly and gritted through her teeth.

"Are you afraid of me, girl?"

"No. I'm not afraid of a cowardly traitor like you! You said you won't take Ichigo's… I belong to him. Don't touch me!"

"Yes… I said that but I've changed my mind. If you want to keep that bastard's unborn child alive, obey me!" he glared at her belly.

She swallowed thickly, shocked with fear of his threat. She hated herself for being so useless. She ran away in order to protect her lover from herself and from what Uluqiorra could threaten her to do. She would bear his child and love the child enough for the both of them. But now, she was caught - again.

Forcing his lips upon hers, he kissed her and kissed her, trailing his lips down to her neck. Then undoing his pants, he brought his throbbing rod before her face.

Closing her eyes as her tears flowed down her cheeks, her mouth engulfed his shaft, while her mind keep repeating the mantra.

Ichigo… Please forgive me… Ichigo…

Scene 3

The strong stench of kerosene mixed with stale humidity was what welcomed Gin as he led the transformed leader deep into the dungeon.

He stared at Uluqiorra pulling up his pants with a smirk on his face, the figure next to him was unmistakable, her auburn mane stuck to her wet body, her head bent as she sobbed.

"Well, well, were we disturbing something?" Gin asked with a smug grin. He glanced at his clearly agitated leader at out of the corner of his eyes.

The air became oppressing as Ichigo glared at the two with killer intent. A sting of betrayal bit into his chest.

Recognizing the voice, Orihime tilted to her to the direction of the new guests in the dungeon.

"Tell us where the Red Scarlet is… and we'll spare your life."

Gin?!

"What do you mean, Gin?" the auburn head spoke with her soft shaky voice "I don't know what Red Sc-"

"You rather watch the man you love suffer like that?" Uluqiorra snapped at her in his cold voice.

Then her gaze shifted from the silver haired man to the tall monstrous looking giant beside Gin who was glaring at her with an unreadable expression.

Her eyes widened as she observed his form, his eyes were black and gold. They were staring at her but it seemed like Ichigo didn't know her. His hair was unbelievably long in blonde and orange and his muscles were exposed. As she finished taking in his limbs that were long and sharp at the ends, fear starting to form in her eyes. Is that what Uluqiorra was referring to? Is that my Ichigo? It's all my fault!

"B-but I really don't have it. I had nothing on me when I was held captive to the Aizen clan… You were there!"

"Then where did you hide it?" the silver haired man asked with a sly grin.

Her brows furrowed as she fought for her breath desperately, the stench of kerosene was making her sick, but she will herself not to pass out. Although she had no idea how to get herself out of the current situation...

"If you don't have what we want, then there's no use keeping you alive. Right leader-sama?"

"Ichigo… please leave… it's a trap! They will kill both of us!"

"Shut up woman! You obviously don't care about him."

Uluqiorra slapped her, causing the girl to cry out a name - his name. The long haired figure flinched inwardly, but he didn't budge an inch from his spot.

She's calling me.

"She poisoned you with the potion! She made you this monster!"

"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry… I didn't know…" Guilt stricken, she started to cry as she shook her head helplessly.

"Leader-sama, this is the woman who betrayed you with that bastard Uluqiorra! Should I get rid of them now?" Gin glanced at his leader who still remained silent.

"What?" Uluqiorra gave a death glare to the silver haired man, "I'm not with this whore! Everything is Aizen-sama's orders. Gin, are you betraying us now? I captured her so that leader-sama will come for her – and once we get the Red Scarlet, they both can die."

Uluqiorra kicked the sobbing woman, once again the girl cried out that name.

She's calling me.

This time the long haired figure gave a screeching loud growl with his both fists clenched by his sides. Without warning, he drew his sword and charged forward towards Uluqiorra.

I'll protect her.

Gin was about to make his move to grab Orihime but he was blocked by the on-going fight.

Ichigo and Uluqiorra exchanged a series of kicks, punches and strikes as they tried to dodge the opponents' attacks. Ichigo's speed was faster than lightning when in his current form, and his strength was almost tenfold.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Receiving the leader's strike, Uluqiorra grunted. He fell back against the wall, knocking the torch light by the wall onto the floor. The fire and oil contact immediately lit up with flames that quickly spread across the dark room. While Gin cursed at the fire, he removed his coat at tried to put out the fire.

Orihime gaped at her Ichigo, now an unrecognizable monster. He gave a deadly fast strike, slashing through the black haired man's body. Grey eyes watched as the black haired man fell lifelessly to the ground.

Panting, Ichigo stood beside Uluqiorra's body, stepping his right foot on the lying man's face as he raised his sword.

"Kurosaki! Stop it!"

Scene 4

Knock.

"I wonder where she is?"

Knock.

"I haven't seen her since yesterday."

Knock.

Grimm watched as his buxom lover pressed her ear against the door, as their eyes met, they froze.

"Did you hear that babe?"

"Ran!"

Nel stepped aside to let her teal haired lover force through the wooden bedroom door, which he did without much trouble.

They found Ran tied to the bedpost. Tears stained her face, her eyes puffy.

"Who did this? Are you alrig-?" they quickly untied her.

"I'm fine. Where is leader-sama?" there was no sign of sadness, her tone was somewhat angry.

Grimm told the girls what he knew from the blood test result and the information he gathered from his meeting with Gin and Sousuke. He brieftly explained to them that Red Scarlet was the potion that caused Ichigo's monstrous state. And how Inoue Orihime was behind it. Uluqiorra has captured her and Ichigo and Gin were on their way for payback from the auburn haired traitor.

"Baka! It's not true.. It's all just a trap!" The strawberry-blonde shouted. "Sousuke just wants to get the Red scarlet now that he has the scroll."

"Orihime doesn't have anything to do with it. Uluqiorra instigated her to poison leader-sama. But I have no doubt that Orihime didn't know what type of potion it contained."

Despite the shocked faces of her friends, she continued.

"It's a double edged sword, either Orihime or Ichigo's going to get hurt from this. I've a feeling.. that tonight, something bad's going to happen!"

"We need to tell Gin!" panicking, the teal haired man rushed towards the door. But Ran's stopped him.

"Wait! That won't be necessary… Gin is on Sousuke's side." Ran's voice was broken and distant.

They knew that she was serious.

Grimm punched his fist to the cupboard and let out a frustrated growl. The green haired girl stood up with clenched fist, but her voice was composed and clear.

"Who knows how many other men are on Sousuke's side… Leader-sama and Orihime need us… We need to help them!"

Scene 5

"Kurosaki! Stop it!"

Orihime didn't quite register what the name was, it sounded familiar, so was the voice who spoke the name. But she was in shock from the gory scene before her. Her Ichigo had murdered Uluqiorra, just as he had murdered her very own brother.

No way, is that really my Ichigo?

She was shivering from head to toe despite the burning flame that surrounded the dungeon. Blinking mindlessly, she watched the scene that was unfolding before her as a blue haired man ran into the dungeon.

"That's enough. You've already won." Uryuu firmly grabbed unto the long haired monster's right hand. "He may be the enemy but he's dead."

Ichigo stood still but did not lower his sword, while Uryuu took his chance to tighten his grip.

"Can you hear me? If you keep this up, you won't be human anymor- Urghh.."

All thoughts went out of her head as she watched in slow motion as her lover stabbed his very own best friend in the chest. The sword Ichigo was holding was now in Uryuu's stomach as the latter coughed out blood.

"Uryuu!"

Ichigo watched as Orihime hurried to the wounded man. He didn't like her with another man! First with Uluqiorra, now Uryuu? Anger rose in him along with the rising temperature caused by the fire surrounding them.

His uncle Sousuke's words rang in his head.

'Don't you know that she was the one who poisoned you and even tried to kill you? That girl betrayed you! And she poisoned you with this disease that made you transform into a monster! Get your priorities right, the only reason we're looking for her is so that she can pay for what she has done.'

Gin sneaked towards the exit now that the leader's attention was on Orihime. Perhaps he had miscalculated. He was not going to die here with an outraged beast. He needed help!

"You… "

"It's me… I'm Orihime."

Orihime's eyes widened as she looked into the gold and black eyes. She shook her head as she stood up to face him. Taking firm steps forward, with opened her arms she lunged her body to his.

They stood there for what seemed like forever as she hugged his still body tight. But she felt a sharp pain on her back as he dug his sharp long nails into her back at pulled her away from his body. Then he pushed her away against the wall.

"You.. You betrayed me!"

Circling his hands around her smooth creamy neck, he strangled her. Her large teary grey eyes bore into his with so much emotion, but she was smiling. He tightened his grip, causing the girl to struggle for breath and choke on her last words.

Why did it take me so long to say these words to you Ichigo?

I have loved you for so long. Believe me, I do love you.

"No, please… Ichigo I love you."

His eyes softened and his hands loosened. Panic washed through him as he quickly released his grip on her bruised neck. What had he done?!

Did you finally say those words to me Orihime?

I have waited for so long. Believe me, I love you too.

Before he could utter a word, a huge pressure with a sharp pain was felt on the back of his head.

The next thing he knew, was a world of darkness.

A world of darkness.

Scene 6

"Having a nightmare and falling off the bed? What am I? A kid?" Ichigo grumbled as he lifted himself off ground. But he grunted when he felt his body aching.

Staring at his hand that was back to its normal form again, he realized he was back in his room, "Wait.. I transformed last night?"

Just then, a knock on the door broke his train of thought and in came the blue haired men and his green-haired lover.

"How are you feeling lea-?"

"What happened last night?"

He did not miss the gloomy exchange of looks between Grimm and Nel, so he repeated himself, this time sounding impatient.

"Leader-sama, don't you remember?"

A frown painted over Ichigo's features as he tried to recall. But his eyes widened like saucers and his body jerked at the next statement.

"Leader-sama… it's alright. It was an accident." the pained shivering voice of Nel interrupted him. "D-Don't blame yourself."

"What are you talking about?!" The last thing he knew was… Ichigo I love you

"Where's my Hime?" Ichigo stared at Nel who avoided his gaze and turned to Grimm.

"When you were transformed… you… you didn't know right?"

"What happened to my Hime?! Where is she?"

Cold fear washed over him, his stomach did a flip. He refused to believe where the conversation was heading.

"Cut the crap! Tell me, where is she? I want to see her NOW!"

"I'm afraid that's not possible. Remember after you killed Uluqiorra… when you stabbed Uryuu with your sword?"

I DID WHAT?

It can't be…

But why are these memories coming back to me?

Tell me it's not true. It was all a nightmare! Only a nightmare.

"Orihime… Tried to stop you… Then the fire… " Nel's voice trailed off, replaced by sobs.

"You strangled her." Grimm said solemnly.

S-strangled? He felt an invisible force strangling his own neck the moment that word left Grimm's mouth. Ichigo couldn't stop the tears that gushed from his amber eyes as he felt a sword stabbed through his chest.

No, please… Ichigo I love you.

"Damnit! Damnit!"

Ichigo muttered through his shaky breath as he punched his fist onto the ground. Wanting desperately for Grimm to tell him that it's all a nightmare, but it didn't happen.

He fell into a world of darkness.

"I'm sorry leader-sama."

.

.

.

.

End.

Love,

Blitch out.

Sadness? Once again, there won't be an update BUT for the following people, thank you so much for your feedback. I dedicate this chapter to all of you!

P.S. No one guessed what the red scarlet is, but don't crack your brains about it - and no, it's not the poison - that was just evil Sousuke tricking Ichigo into believing Hime was responsible.

wartanker66: thanks for being the first reviewer - hope you enjoyed the update! hmm, we'll know the truth soon!

jammienmarie65: aww thanks! i worked hard in hope that this chapter was not lacking what you thought was in the last chapter =)

NiNjA oF tHe NiGht 27: i know many hearts are broken when ichi ain't with hime, but we have to get pass the plot first and i promise ichihime.

VergilTheart: hope this chapter sits well with you, though you may call me Evil mastermind again =D

SwEeTkIsSeZ: this chapter is definitely longer, hope there's no confusion nor lost of the style.

Fostersb: GrimNel made an appearance but they're not in the mood for smut given the progress around them for now.

PainAndNumb: of cos you're not a pervert - i'm the one who writes these stuff and i'm glad someone appreciates it!

princess-myu: i can't wait for them to reunite too - sorry i have no time to reply to your mails, had a very busy (but fun) week too much to do too little time.

somber girl: thanks for your vote and loyal support, i don't need to win as long as readers like you enjoy my work.

alice hattercandy: you're welcome bout me updating, thanks for showering us with your fics this week, i was looking for some good ichihime read while updating this.

sly_kitty: think i prefer your love than hate lol you're right the last chapter was more to explain the progress, but this one is real progress hope you like it!

missdramatikkkk: another cliffy my darling! hope you enjoy it cos here's where all the drama falls into place.

xXsnowfeltXx: the peak of the heartbreaking drama is unfold here, but ichihime will prevail :0 i'll have to think bout senna's fate.

Rochelleteentitan: glad you were satisfied with ichigo's reaction in the last - he was mad here too but did he ruin their relationship?

bloodyrose1294: remember when we discussed bout the manga when The Lust took place? i hope you spotted the scene we hoped for but did not come true.

Enelya87: i love UluqHime too but here i made him slightly nastier - the development you've been highly anticipating is here, i really am worried bout what you think of it!pls update your wonderful fic soon.

zodious: another sad one, don't hate me yet - i can't agree with you more on that quote.

Bullet2tm: hey shinigami interviewer! yup it's pretty intense, thanks for always taking some time for my fics.

starbuck77: it's my pleasure to share with those who enjoy the same ichihime passion and some drama/twist plot, hope your happy with this.

ori_h: you're always so encouraging, sorry bout the late update but i hope you enjoyed it.

x3Sn0w: thanks for loving the new plot, glad you like this and remember all reviews are read worthy even if one word.

hikari-hime01 : glad to have you back on reading the sequel - it starts of sad but what goes down must come up, eventually.

Also, warm appreciation goes out to those who voted for WCBH as Sexiest Ichihime Awards!