(A/N: Here's chapter twenty nine! I've decided to finish up this three parter for leaving this story on a hiatus. Seems really...wrong and awkward if I don't. But I warn you, this is the last chapter for this story until the end of summer. And for this still waiting on a new genderbent Naruto/Hinata one shot, don't worry, I'm still working on it. Anyway, enjoy!
Haku Mei: Thanks for the review! I'm glad you're enjoying it. It makes me happy to see new readers to the story!
sacke110: Thanks for reviewing! I honestly wasn't going to explore how Reo attained spiritual powers. He's just a very minor character, so never felt the need to go that in depth with him. He has a 'small role, big impact' kind of thing when it comes to the story, or at least, Orihime's character development.
mattchew: Thanks for reviewing! Yeah, I can see why you are getting irked by that. Orihime's powers seemed strongest when her emotions are pushed over their limits. And people seemed to have the strongest desire to protect something or survival when they or someone close to them at are almost at the brink of death. That's why Orihime seems to pull through when she's almost half dead.
Guest Review: Thanks for the review. I thought I established Orihime's age between the brothers in an earlier chapter. Sorry, if it wasn't clear enough, so let me elaborate it for you and anyone else who's curious. Okay... Orihime arrived in Amestris sometime late spring. She was sixteen by the start of the story while Ed was fifteen and Al's fourteen. Almost half a year has passed since the beginning of the story till right now. Her birthday already passed, making her seventeen now. Edward's sixteenth birthday is coming up soon. I heard his birthday comes sometime before he meets Ling. I believe Ed's birthday is during winter while Al's birthday is in the spring, probably sometime around December and March respectively. So, to conclude everything, Orihime is about a year and two months older than Edward and over two years older than Alphonse. So yes, Orihime is older than the Elric brothers.)
The Weavering Princess
"Um, Ichigo?"
Orihime and Ichigo were in a secluded hallway. The ginger haired girl had been giddy all day, yet at the same time, anxious and nervous. She replayed this scenario since yesterday, relaying her words on how she was going to confess her feelings to this man in front of her.
Now, that she was acutely aware she was completely alone with Ichigo, she was fearfully tongue tied as she gazed into his intense yet soft chocolate brown eyes.
"What is it, Orihime?" Ichigo asked, eyebrows scrunched up in concern and confusion. "What'd you want to talk about?"
The auburn haired licked her chapping lips. This wasn't good. She was so nervous! Everything for her was riding on this very moment. She twiddled with the box of brownies hidden behind her.
The substitute Soul Reaper seemed to notice the box though as he raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "What's that?"
Orihime let out an involuntary squeak. Her face turning a dark shade of red. Without thinking, she thrusted the box in front of her.
She heard a pained 'oof' sound, and quickly retracting the box. "I'm sorry, Ichigo!" she promptly apologized, a small amount of guilt swelling inside her.
Ichigo rubbed his tender gut. "It's okay, Orihime," he said, trying to sound nonchalant about it. He straightened himself up. "What's in the box anyway?"
The ginger haired girl bit her lip nervously before answering in a shy voice. "I made brownies for you." She opened the box to show him the perfectly decorated chocolate brownies she made last night. They had white frosting covering the top with some sort of purple substance around the edges.
"You made brownies?" Ichigo didn't mean to sound skeptical. It's just… Orihime was infamous when it comes to cooking. Her food choices and combinations were something to die for, and not in a good way. He had to wonder if these 'brownies' were actually brownies, or Orihime's definition of 'brownies'.
"Y-you don't like them."
Seeing the dejected look on the girl's face made the orange haired teen even more reluctant to refuse, no matter how much he wanted to. It was always made him so awkwardly uneasy to see Orihime upset, or even worse, crying. He'd rather take on a hundred Hollows or even Aizen again than to see a shed of tear from her.
Ichigo knew what he was going to say was going to kill his digestive tract later, but he bravely gulped it down. "I'll take them," he finally said. He rubbed the back of his neck in an awkward manner in an attempt to mask his skepticism and fear as small beads of sweat rolled down his forward.
Orihime didn't seem to take notice of Ichigo's uneasiness, her gray eyes bright and hopeful. "Really?" she asked in an over excited tone, her heart swelling up with immense amount of joy and happiness. Maybe… Maybe she could pull this off, after all.
She handed the box over to the orange haired boy, who looked at the box fearfully for a few seconds before accepting it.
"I made these brownies as a 'thank you' for everything you've done for me," she commented, her usual shyness showing, but she was more braver now. "I worked hard to make them to show my appreciation."
"You don't have to thank me, Orihime," Ichigo answered. "You're my friend. I'll always protect you."
"I want us to be more than friends, Ichigo," the ginger haired girl said, mentally. Of course, he'd help her. He would do anything to protect his friends. That's what she loved most about him.
She started nervous twiddling with the hem of her skirt. "Ichigo… There's something I've been keeping from you for a long time. Something I wanted to tell you since the day we meet."
Ichigo rose a questionable brow. Something she wanted to tell him? There was something she kept from? Why? Did something happen to her? His face scrunched up in anger and worry at the mere thought of anyway lying their hands on Orihime. "What is it, Orihime? Did something happen?"
The auburn haired girl gulped down her nervousness. Her was thundering so loud in her chest, she thought it might be in danger of exploding. It was now or never!
"Ichigo," she began, squeaking out. "I…"
She was cut of by an unexpected loud screeching sound that made both orange haired teens jump out of skin. Ichigo was the first to recover, recognizing that annoyingly shrilling sound.
"Damn thing." He let out an irritated grunt, scowling deeply as he fished his Soul Reaper badge out of his pocket. "Could you watch my body for me, Orihime?" he asked.
Orihime wanted to refuse, saying she wanted to go with him. But with Ichigo's stern and worried look, as if he knew what she was going to say, she begrudgingly reluctant. "Of course. Just be careful, Ichigo."
The substitute Soul Reaper nodded his head at her reassurance before pressing the badge against his chest.
Now in Soul Reaper, he raced off towards the school yard to face the Hollows.
Orihime let out a dejected sigh. The butterflies in her stomach died down being replaced with a nagging feeling of disappointment. She couldn't stop the tears that were swelling up at the full realization of what happened struck her. Just when she finally gathered the courage, after all these years, to finally confess her feelings to Ichigo, something interrupts her. Feelings of sorrow and heartbreak pinched against her being like poisonous needles. Was this a sign that they were just not meant to be together?
"Tragic, isn't it?"
Orihime resisted the urge to scream as she spun around, startled. She was met face to face with Reo Kaname.
"R-Reo?" she stammered out. "Wh-what are you doing here?" Quickly remembering Ichigo's unconscious body was lying unceremoniously on the ground, she stepped around it, trying to shield him from Reo's eyes.
"You don't need to hide him from me, Orihime," Reo spoke in a monotone voice. "I know that Ichigo Kurosaki is a Soul Reaper. I'm sorry. A substitute Soul Reaper."
Gray eyes widened in shock. "H-how?"
Reo ignored her shocked surprise. "I don't know what you see in him."
"Eh?" Orihime tilted her head in confusion.
"I've been watching you for a while. The way to make googly eyes at the ignorant boy... The way he's so oblivious to what's in front of him… It's almost tragic, isn't it?" he elaborated, simply. He stepped towards her slightly shaking form. "But it isn't entirely his fault. After all, it's what you want."
"What I want?" the ginger haired girl questioned. She flinched slightly as images flashed before her eyes once again. Who are those people? "What do you mean?" she whispered out, trying to down her throbbing headache.
Reo tilted his head in a mocking manner. "Nothing much. You should know better. You're the one who betrayed Ichigo Kurosaki, Orihime Inoue."
Orihime let out a loud, painful gasp. H-how did he know that?! Subconsciously, tears started to flow down her cheeks. A slew of different thoughts and emotions flowed through her. Sorrow, fear, regret, and most of all, guilt. Why? Why did she have to be reminded of that?
"'How can he love a traitor like me?' Isn't that what you're thinking, Orihime?" Reo sneered at her, coldly.
The auburn haired girl could feel her blood run icy cold. "Please… Stop…," she quivered, uncontrollable. Her heart felt like was gripped by cold, unfeeling hands. She didn't want to reminded of her time there. Her palms were already shaking, feeling sticky and wet with her sweat. Her breathing became hard and rigid as visions of her nightmares flashed before her eyes.
Orihime saw scenes of ultimatum of her life vs. her friends lives set by Aizen in extension of Ulquiorra, setting up her supposed 'betrayal', something till this day, she has never forgiven herself for. The way her friends almost died for her, the way Ichigo did die for her.
The scene were Ulquiorra held up an semi conscious Ichigo before forcing her to watch him blow hole in her beloved's chest. She had never felt so desperate, helpless, and full of self resentment because she knew… Deep down she knew… She was the one who killed Ichigo!
"Why?" Orihime trembled out. She couldn't stop the remorseful tears that were flooding down her face. "Why do y-you know a-all that? Why are you being so mean to me?"
Reo didn't say anything, just staring at her tear stricken face.
An awkward silence followed, only the sound of Orihime's sniffling could be heard. The school bell rung, signaling that lunchtime was over.
Reo was absolutely aware that Orihime was deliberately avoiding him now. Every time they made eye contact in class, she would avert her eyes and bite her bottom lip, a tall tale sign of her extreme nervousness.
He was well aware that he didn't make a first impression, nor did he care. Besides, doesn't she realize that all this is nothing more than simple illusion? An illusion conjured up by her own feelings and desires?
Reo wouldn't be lying to himself, if he didn't say that he was amazed by the technology of this world. He read things like buses and airplanes. They even had mobile phones! Normally, he'd have to use a phone booth in order to use a phone, but he rarely does anyway. There wasn't anyone actually needed to call that weren't just ten feet away. This world was slightly more futuristic than his own.
Nevertheless, the dark haired young man couldn't let himself become too attached. After all, everything here is fake.
Blue eyes glanced over at the auburn haired healer, who was writing in her notebook, most likely taking notes of the lecture. He often wondered how could a creature so beautiful, compassionate, and free spirited be so utterly broken? Even though this whole illusion was plagued with Orihime's joy and happiness, he could subtly feel the underlying sadness and despair. Tainted wounds that have yet to heal. Emotionally scars that are far from being cleansed of their unwavering turmoil.
Such a tragedy. Just like the maiden in the book.
After that confrontation, Orihime felt uneasy about being around Reo. How did he know about Aizen, the Arrancars, and her kidnapping? It wasn't that she was scared he knew. It was just unsettling that he knew, and it made her feel extremely anxious and self conscious of being reminded of haunting memories that she was trying to force back to the recesses of her mind, hoping to one day forget the awful ordeal.
Admittedly, she has been getting nightmares from time to time. Nevertheless, the ginger haired girl hasn't told anyone, not even Ichigo or Tatsuki that she has to sleep with a night light on just keep the nightmares at bay. Her friends, especially Ichigo, have already done enough for her. This was her burden to bare. If she was strong, she should be able to endure all by herself.
Although, Orihime couldn't help but to feel a little bad for him. And she didn't know why. Reo didn't seem like he made any friends since the two months he transferred to this school. She wondered why. Why is he so standoffish and distant? When she was talking to him for the first time, shouldn't get the feeling of this overwhelming sadness. Whenever she stares into his blue eyes, she gets this subtle sense of regret and loneliness. She could help but to pity the poor guy.
"Tatsuki."
"Yeah?" The dark haired girl turned her curious gaze at her friend.
"Do you know anything about Reo?"
Tatsuki came to a complete stop, fully turning her body around to face her auburn haired friend. "No, I don't know anything about Reo. Why are you asking about the new guy anyway?" she asked, curiously. It wasn't that strange for Orihime to ask about a person.
Orihime opened her mouth to respond, but then closed it immediately. Why did she ask?
She shook her head. "Nothing. I was just curious, that's all. He doesn't seem to have any friends."
The tomboy shrugged her shoulders. "Well, it isn't exactly easy to make friends, Orihime. Especially if you're new. Uh, Orihime?" She noticed the dazed look on her friends face. "Orihime, are you alright?" She was beginning to worry when her friend didn't answer her.
That worry turned into a full blown panic when the ginger haired girl collapsed out of nowhere.
"Huh?! Orihime!" Tatsuki shouted, fear and horror lacing her panicked voice. She kneeled down next to the fallen girl, vigorously shaking her unconscious form. "What's wrong, Orihime?! Say something! Orihime!"
Gray eyes slowly fluttered open. Everything was blurry and bright, she had to blink her eyes a few times to adjust to the light. There was a dull throbbing sensation at the back of her head.
"Orihime? Are you awake?"
She could barely register someone talking to her as a several fuzzy silhouette of faces entered her line of sight. When her vision finally cleared, she could make the faces of her friends, Ichigo, Uryu, Tatsuki, and Chad.
"Wh-where am I?" Orihime asked, dizzily, holding the side of her aching head.
"You're home, Orihime," Tatsuki replied. Orihime could see the worry on her friend's face. "What happened? You suddenly blacked out of nowhere."
The events of what occurred just moments before she passed out flashed before the ginger haired girl's eyes. She could sworn at that time that someone was calling her name repeatedly, but she couldn't make out the stranger's voice. It sounded familiar, yet foreign at the same time. Although, she could clearly make out the desperation in the person's voice. And also the throbbing sensation in her head gotten undeniable worse with each time that person called out her name. Next thing she knew, the world distorted and she fainted.
"I thought I heard someone calling my name," the auburn haired girl said, distractingly.
Ichigo furrowed his brow. "Who?" Orihime could hear the vague sense of possessiveness in his voice. She felt her cheeks burn at how much Ichigo worried over her, even if it was just platonic. He's always so thoughtful and sweet!
"I don't know," she answered, unsure. It wasn't an outright lie. She honestly didn't know who's voice was that. But she felt the odd sense that should know.
She could see Ichigo scowl deepen, obviously not accepting that kind of answer.
"Could someone have been following, Orihime?" Uryu suggested, pushing his glasses up.
Orihime shook her head. "I don't think so. I mean, I didn't see anyone. Just a heard a voice, that's all," she muttered, lowly. Then she laughed, frivolously. "You know, it could've all been in my head you guys! There's no need to worry about me! I'm fine now!"
"Are you sure, Orihime?" Tatsuki asked, hesitantly.
The auburn haired girl nodded her head, vigorously. "Yep! I must've just imagined it. I have been feeling pretty tired lately." As if to prove her point, she let out a stifled yawn. "You guys can go. You don't have to stay here. I'll be fine by myself."
The dark haired girl nodded her head, although she seemed reluctant to leave her friend alone. One by one, they each began to file out of her room and out of her apartment.
Ichigo locked eyes with Orihime, his expression unreadable before being the last one to leave.
Orihime let out an unusual sigh of relief when they were gone. She didn't know why, but she felt weird and uncomfortable being around them. But she shouldn't! She knew she shouldn't feel anxious and uneasy around her friends. They're her friends, after all!
However, why does she get the vague sense of fear and apprehensive when she's around them?
"This is what you want."
Somehow, Reo's words seemed to haunt her. She didn't understand his meaning. It felt like he knew what was going on with her more than she did. Ever since their confrontation, she felt a strange sense of uncertainty egging away at the dark recesses of her mind. But why should she? She was finally home.
Her gray eyes widened considerably. Wait! Finally home? Why should she feel that way? Unless, she was counting being rescued from Hueco Mundo and freed from Aizen's clutches, but that...that was almost a year ago. Then why? Why does it feel like...she shouldn't be here?
She was home? Right?
Reo hardly paid any attention in class. The pitter patter of rainwater hitting the glass window. It was dark and cloudy outside. The gloom atmosphere reminded him all too much about that fateful night.
(FLASHBACK)
"Brother?"
Reo glanced over to his younger brother. His blue eyes filled with worry and concern. Riku took his brother's attire. He wasn't dressed in his pajamas. He was dressed in casual clothes, which consisted of a green, button down shirt, brown slacks, and black shoes.
"Reo?" Riku said, hesitantly. "Where are you going at this time of night?"
"I'm going to my study," Reo replied, simply as he grabbed his coat of the rack.
The younger Kaname furrowed his brows, incredulously. "At this time of night?" His frown deepened when he didn't receive an answer. "Can't it wait until the morning?" Riku said, exasperated. "It's raining outside!" As if to prove his point, a flash of lightning struck accompanied by a thundering roar.
"I...have work to do," Rep replied, solemnly.
Riku scoffed at that. "That's the same excuse you always give me. "It's 'I'm busy, Riku' this, or 'I have work, Riku' that…" He clenched his fists, feeling his frustration boiling. "Ever since our parents died, you've done nothing but study and stay out late dong god's know what! I asked you hundreds of times before what's going on, but you never tell me! You never do! You've been distant, Reo, and don't even understand why!"
Riku gazed at his brother with angry yet pleading blue eyes. "Please…," he spoke, softly. "Just tell me what's going on, brother."
Reo stared at his younger brother, taking the hurt in his eyes, his pained expression. He did want to tell Riku everything, everything about those black skinned, white masked monsters. Unfortunately, he knew he couldn't. There was no point in telling someone who couldn't see them. It would just put his oblivious, little brother in danger. He felt guilty for making Riku feel like he was ignoring and neglecting him, but he's fighting those creatures for him. To protect him and this small town, so Riku could live peacefully and without worry.
"I can't, Riku," Reo responded, hardening his voice, so it wouldn't show his fear or his guilt.
Riku expression turned crestfallen. "I see… It's always like this."
"Riku…"
"No!" Riku flinched away from his older brother's touch. He glared at the floor below them. He couldn't look at him. "J-just go. Get out of here," he said, angrily, fisting his hands together. "Come back when you're ready to tell me what business you have," he spat, spitefully.
Reo just stared at his brother as he refused to look at him. He offered a pained half smile. "Okay…" He grabbed the umbrella off the side of the door. He opened the door, taking one last look at his angrily, pouting brother. "I'm sorry, Riku…," he whispered, softly and regretfully.
After a few seconds, the black haired man closed the door behind him. Who knew that would be the last time he would ever see his brother's face?
(END OF FLASHBACK)
Reo felt the presence of someone looming over him. He didn't need glance up to know who it was. He could sense her, her calm aura flowing gently around her. "What do you want?" he asked, stoically.
Orihime flinched slightly at icy his tone. She fidgeted, nervously. "Um, I was wondering if you like to hang out."
A black brow rosed, curiously. "Hang out?"
The auburn haired girl let out the most cheerful of smiles. "Yeah! I was hoping we get some pizza or something. Tatsuki has karate practice today, so she's busy."
"So I'm just a replacement?" the dark haired man inquired.
She gasped, rosy cheeks tinting out of embarrassment as she shook her head, vigorously. "Oh, no! I just thought...that we get to know each other," she stammered, nervously. "I mean, y-you don't seem to talk to anyone. Don't you get lonely?" Her gray widened, realizing what she was implying. "I don't mean to be rude! You have to do stuff with me, if you don't want to!"
Reo held up a hand to silence her. Orihime closed her mouth in response, anxiously anticipating his answer.
"I would like that."
Those four words made the ginger haired girl jump for joy. "Alright! Meet me at the school gate after school, okay?" And with that, she skipped off to have lunch with her friends.
Reo couldn't help the faintest of smiles spread across his face, realizing he was responsible for Orihime's current happiness.
Tanabata… That was his favorite folktale to read when he was a little boy, mainly because he fell in love with the maiden in the book. He knew it was silly of him, becoming infatuated with a fictional character in a book, but he didn't care. The main female lead in Tanabata became his ideal woman, and he resolved himself into finding girls with similar characteristics. Compassionate, kind, friendly, and a smile as bright as a sun… And if her name happened to be the same name as the maiden in the folktale, that was a bonus!
That was the beginning trigger of Reo becoming infatuated with Orihime Inoue. He knew it was silly and maddening to develop a crush on someone just because they shared similar name to his favorite character of his favorite folktale. Even he was disgusted with himself. Having such idealized fantasises about a girl he barely knows because her name is Orihime.
But… Through this dreamworld… Reo fell completely in love with the girl than ever before. He loved her before he met her, but getting to know her, even at a distance made him more enamored with her. This may be a figment of the girl's dreams, her wants, her desires… An illusion full of lies and false hope… But there was one thing that was genuinely true in this fake world, and that was Orihime herself.
Everything about her, her smiles, her laughter, her kindness… They were all real. The more he stayed, the more he wanted to just be with her, even if it is at a distance. However, Reo knew… Deep down, he knew that someday...this fake world would break apart. Orihime would one day discover that everything is not real, and she would want to return to the real one.
"Then make her stay here," a sinister voice spoke.
"Be quiet!" Reo hissed at the voice.
"Don't forget, you were the one who created this dreamworld," the malicious voice said, tauntingly. "How is it? Being with your beloved princess?"
The black haired man growled, unable to properly respond. He knew responded to the monster would just torment him even more.
"Haha! Humans are such weak, pathetic creatures! And you are no exception. Meeting your despise because of your pitiful desire for love and understanding. It was so easy to break you apart. I can feel it! Very soon, you're soul would be mine as well as your spiritual powers."
"That isn't going to happen, you foul beast!"
"Oh! But it will. Or are you saying that you are okay the princess's rejection? Rejecting this world would mean rejecting your feelings. Are you okay with that? I helped you create this world. You should be grateful."
"Silence! I know what you're trying to do. Manipulating people's feelings and desires… I despise you!"
"Such cruelty," the monster said in a faux hurt tone before bursting in a menacing glee.
Reo blocked the rest of the monster's voice. It would only elate the creature more, seeing how much he's falling into despair. He would never admit it to the creature, but every word it spoke cut him deeply. It spoke the words he was truly dreading. He desired Orihime's love and affection. Unfortunately, he knew that would he didn't belong her, she didn't belong here in this illusionary world of fantasies.
All he wanted was just finally get to chance to just be with her! That's why he created this world with Orihime's happiness in mind. Thanks to the creature's ability it was easy to see what was in her heart. He died before he could ever meet her. This was only chance, the only way he could stay with her!
He wasn't ready. He wasn't ready to let go of his love! What a pathetic man he was.
Orihime was worried. Reo was quiet. Well, unusually quiet. It felt like something was bothering him. She could feel his agitated spiritual pressure, even though he had his usual blank face, she could tell something was seriously bothering him.
"Reo?"
Blue eyes glanced at the ginger haired walking beside him before averting his eyes away. Just looking at her scorched the fire in his heart. His love for her had become so painfully twisted it was saddening. That was why it was so easy for him to fall in the monster's clutches. Remembering that vile demon's words, he felt unworthy of any affection from her, knowing that he is partially responsible for taking her freedom away, even if it was unintentional.
"What is it?" Reo asked, trying his best to keep his voice woman, she doesn't know the kind of effect she has on him.
Orihime's gray eyes glanced at him in concern. "Is everything alright?"
The black haired man wanted to scream that everything was not alright. Just being here with her made him feel both blithe happiness and rotten misery, knowing he was inwardly that he was fighting between his desires against her freedom.
Why was he so hesitant? He knew what he had to do. But… But… Finally… For once in his life, he gets be selfish! This dead man gets to finally have a chance at a small dose of happiness.
"Everything's fine," he finally replied.
The auburn haired girl let out a breath of relief. "Oh, good," she smiled. "I thought I did something wrong."
"..." Reo remained silent, refusing to look at the ginger haired girl.
The two walked in relative silence just enjoying the sights that Karakura had to offer. Even though, everything's the same, after what happened yesterday, Orihime couldn't help the feeling of anxiety and trepidation.
"So…," she started, trying to start a conversation to ease her growing uneasiness. "What do you think of the town?"
"It's nice," was Reo's simple response.
Orihime pouted. She was hoping for more of an answer. But she shouldn't have expected much. Reo rarely talks. He almost like Chad, however, unlike calm, gentle giant, the dark haired man was more stoic and serious.
The auburn haired girl regarded their last serious conversation. It was first time she ever heard Reo speak, much less to her. And truthfully, ever since then, Orihime had been having doubts about the reality of her world.
"What do you think of me?" she asked, subconsciously. She let the words slip out of her mouth before she could take them back. Before she could retract her question, Reo was already answering.
"You're very beautiful and kind on the outside."
"On the outside?" Orihime bit the bottom of her quivering lips. She could feel the prickle of tears along her eyelashes and her cheeks flushing. "What about inside?"
"You're broken," the black haired replied as if it was the most simple thing in the world.
"Broken?" The healer tried to fight back the crystal line of tears that threatened to escape from her gray eyes.
"You're like a wilted flower that's lost its petals," he continued, either oblivious of the girl's inner turmoil or just not caring. "However, even the most disfigured flowers could plant their buds, so they could regrow anew, and become even stronger and more beautiful than they were before."
The ginger haired girl smiled, tearfully. "Thanks," she thanked him, sincerely.
Reo rose an eyebrow, blue eyes glancing over at her. "Thank me? For what?"
She let out a lighthearted laughter. "For being honest with me. I just feel like everyone's been tip toeing around me. I know they are more friends, but something feels off about them." She paid no attention to Reo tensing him. "I don't know. I-I just feel like something's missing."
Black eyebrows knitted into a frown as cautious blue eyes flickered over to the auburn haired healer. "Something's missing?" he inquired.
Ginger colored brows furrowed together in deep concentration. "No, not something. Someone's missing." Orihime stopped in her tracks. A hand trailing up her bosom to fist around the spot where her heart laid. The wind whipping her hair about in a slow, dramatic fashion.
Something was ebbing painfully in the back of her head. Images after images flashed before her very eyes. But this try she didn't try to suppress the pain. She endured it, welcomed it even as never noticed it before, but the slightly throbbing pain brought a vague sense of nostalgia to her as well. She concentrated on just that feeling, that sense of familiarity as multiple images rushed at her all at once.
"Edward… Alphonse…," Orihime breathed out the names of the Elric brothers in a breathless whisper. Her heart thumping wildly in her chest at the sudden realization, her gray eyes as wide as saucers.
How could she forget about Edward? About Alphonse? Winry? Nina? The Hughes? Everybody in that world as if all her time their meant nothing?
The world around her began to shatter like pieces of glass out of a broken mirror, but she paid that no mind. She was needed to get out of this fake world. She turned to the one guy who could possibly help her escape, however, he was nowhere to be found.
A foreboding sense of apprehension and dread filled her. She felt as if she was being watched. Moments of disquieted silenced pass before dozens of pairs of sinister eyeballs cracked open, revealing their grotesque form. A sense of disgust shivered up her spine, but, despite that, she was unafraid. She knew what she had to do. If destroying this monster would let her return to, then so be it. The hairs on the back of her neck pricked in anticipation.
Not a moment passed when black tentacle shot at her. Orihime wasted no time and activated her Santen Kesshun, blocking the attempt. The monster was relentless though, striking ruthlessly with its tentacles, not letting up an inch.
Orihime, on the other hand, was keeping her ground, her shield remaining impenetrable. The spiritual pressure of this creature felt familiar somehow. It almost had an identical spirit energy as Lust and Gluttony. Could it possibly be another homunculus?
The ginger haired girl gasped when felt another spirit energy struggling with the homunculus own. She gasped, immediately recognized this spiritual pressure. It could only belong to the one person that was with her through this entire endeavor.
"Reo!" Orihime called out to the man while simultaneously jumping slightly out of the way of another tentacle strike as it grazed through her auburn locks, hoping to get his attention. She could realized that Reo's spirit energy was slowing fading away. Was this homunculus trying to absorb him?
Without thinking, she could fired Tsubaki at the homunculus. The feisty sprite streaming towards the black shadow, cut off a few of its appendage.
Orihime could easily sense Reo's pain, his struggle. Just how long was fighting against this monster's hold? How long was he suffering all alone? Even before that… All throughout their interactions together in that fake world, Orihime could feel a saddening sense of sorrow radiating. Though, she now realized it was much deeper and stronger than that. She felt nothing but an overwhelming sense of agonizing loneliness and traumatizing despair coming from Reo.
The auburn haired girl couldn't stop the tears that were forming. She couldn't save Reo. She knew that. He was dead, no longer among the living. But that doesn't mean he couldn't save his soul. He has suffered enough!
A crystal sheen of tears falling gracefully down her cheeks, her resolve becoming clear. A burning sensation of determination filling her. She must save Reo! She must!
"Reo!" Orihime called out to the man's spirit, even though her voice sounded a little hoarse from all the silent sobbing she was doing. "Reo, listen to me! You are not alone, okay? I'm here, Reo! I'm right here!" She sniffled a little. "I know… Being alone is unbearable, isn't it? I know that...you feel resentful towards everybody else, you may even hate them because you couldn't be anything like the others. You couldn't live a normal life, get a normal job, marry and have a family all because you were different. Different from everybody else. You spent your entire life protecting people without them knowing it or acknowledging all the hard, painful, and self sacrificing work you do. It was easy to resent them after your death because it felt like you had take all the suffer upon yourself just keep others happy." she choked out, her emotions coming out in a gobbled mess. "B-but you're not alone, Reo! Think about Riku! Think about your little brother! Even if he didn't understand, he was there with you, wasn't he? You have to remember… The only reason you fought and endured was to protect your baby brother! Isn't that right?! But what you're doing now, Reo, is causing Riku pain!"
Orihime felt something flicker. She must be getting through to him! She wasn't a Soul Reaper, so she couldn't perform a Konso. They only way she could help a dead spirit pass on was to help it let go of any emotional burdens it has.
She activated her Soten Kisshun. The orange glowing healing dome hovering over the homunculus, preventing it from going anywhere. She was determined to reject Reo's soul out of the monster's clutches.
Jyoushiki butteru yatsu ga warratteru
(The guy who supposedly works off common sense if laughing)
Orihime reached her hand out towards the healing shield, hoping Reo would respond in turn and grab. "C'mon, Reo! You have to be strong. If not for yourself, then for Riku. Be strong for him!"
Tsugi ha donna uso wo iu?
(What sort of lie will he tell next?)
Sorede erareta mono daiji ni kazatte okeruno?
(Can you be proud of and frame up what you gained through a lie?)
Alphonse perked up a bit. "Do you guys here that? It sounds like somebody's singing."
Edward and Winry could indeed hear faint song playing, but wasn't coming from any general direction. It felt like it was coming from all around them. So very close yet so very far at the same time.
The song sounded beautifully melancholic, so full of regret, longing, and a distinct feeling of acceptance.
Demo asu heto susumanakya naranai
(But people have to move forward despite that)
Dakara kou utauyo
(That's why I sing this song)
The people of the small town stopped what they were doing as the song played throughout the town, listening to its melodramatic, wistful lyrics. Lyrics they couldn't understand, but could feel the obvious emotions behind. Emotions like remorse, sorrow, merriness behind it. Some of them woman began sniffling, men tipped their hats, and children bawled their eyes out.
It was such a majestically bittersweet song.
Naiteru kimi koso
(It's you who are crying)
Kodoku na kimi koso
(It's you who are lonely)
Tadashii yo
(You're right)
Ningen rashii yo
(You're just being human)
Riku dropped the tray he was holding when he felt a familiar presence. He whipped his head around, his brown hair falling over his face. His blue eyes widened considerably, his mouth hanging open unable to find words.
"It's good to see you again… Riku."
"Brother?! I…" The younger Kaname's body trembled in flurry of conflicting emotions. Hurt, anger, sorrow, pain, and happiness all swelled up inside him.
Reo let out a bittersweet smile, obviously knowing what his younger brother was feeling. After all, he knows Riku best. "Riku… Forgive me for being such a foolish older brother. I know my sudden, unexpected death has not been easy for you. And for that I am truly sorry."
Riku bit his trembling lips, his fist clenched at his side. "Why?! Why did you have to die?!" he shouted out, furiously, a stream of hot tears running down his face, but he didn't care at the moment. "When we lost our parents, all we had was each other! You were the only brother I had, the only family I had left! So then why?!" His voice was beginning to become weak from emotion, causing him to drop to his knees in an ungraceful fashion, his mind taking him back to the day he found his older brother's bloody corpse five years ago. An agonizing and overwhelming sense of grief, sorrow, confusion, and pain filled him when he found Reo's lifeless body. A hole was permanently ripped through him that tragic night. He didn't nor ever could understand the reason for his brother's sudden, untimely demise. "Why…?" he trembled. "Why did you leave me all alone?"
Reo felt an enormous amount of guilt and remorse at the pain he unintentionally inflicted on his baby brother. All this time, everything he's done was to protect Riku. It hurts to see that he was the one causing him pain, and even now, he still is.
A reached a steady hand out towards Riku, ruffling his hair softly and in a brotherly like manner, something he used to do when they were little. A sign of obvious praise and affection. "I'm sorry, Riku." That's all he could say it seems. How sad. "Forgive me. Just remember, everything I did, I did it for you. Even if you do hate or resentment me for it, I would always love you, little brother. Live your life, Riku. Live your life for me, for your older brother. Find the happiness I couldn't provide for you well enough. Never forget, I would always be watching over you."
Otoshita namida ga kou iu yo
(The tears you shed leave a message)
Riku could feel his brother's presence slowly disappearing. "Brother! Don't go!" He hastily and desperately tried to grab at him, his brother's spirit fading away. His whole body shook uncontrollably. He wailed and sobbed his heart out. "REO!"
Konna nimo utsukushii
(It's so beautiful)
Uso jya nai
(It's no lie)
Orihime could feel the sensation of her Soten Kisshun slowly working its magic. "Almost there." Something grabbed her head, and instinctively she pulled with all her might.
Hontou no watashi o tataete kurete arigatou
(Thank you for honoring the real me)
"Thank you, Orihime."
Orihime didn't need to think twice. She could feel Reo's gratitude. A lone tear trailed down her face. "You're welcome, Reo," she whispered out, silently. She was incredibly happy that Reo was finally free from his long lasting suffering. Now, he could finally rest in peace.
A flash of white light suddenly blinded her.
Orihime stirred, her eyes remaining painfully shut.
"Look! She's waking up!"
Orihime could hear voices. Familiar voices that she undoubtedly happy to hear. She forced her eyes opening, flinching at the bright light of them room. "Where am I?" she asked, groggily.
When her vision finally cleared, she could make out the faces. Edward, Alphonse, Winry, and even Riku were standing over her.
Tears formed around the mechanic's blue eyes as she threw her arms around the healer, happily. Orihime, caught slightly off guard, slowing stroked her back in a soothing manner.
"Orihime!" Al cried out. If he had a body, Orihime knew that tears of happiness would be running down his face. "We were so worried about you! We thought that…!"
The ginger haired girl nodded her head, silently, knowing where Alphonse was heading with his words, judging by his saddened aura.
Her grays eyes trailed over to meet Edward's golden orbs. No words were said between them. No words needed to be said. Orihime could see the relief, happiness, and guilt in the golden depths.
She whispered two words.
"I'm back."
Edward couldn't find Orihime anywhere. The girl had disappeared once again. When he discovered the auburn haired girl's empty bed, an immense sense of panic and dread filled him. He immediately Al and Winry of her disappearance, and the three of them searched everywhere they could. After all, the girl couldn't have gotten far due to the weather. He could still hear the showers of rain. It didn't look like it would let up anytime soon.
When they finally got around to questioning where that mysterious black mist that took her and how she was able come back, Orihime said nothing. Remaining eerily silent.
She provided disheartened 'I don't know'. But Ed knew she was lying, knew she did know, otherwise, she wouldn't be that sad when she said it.
The blond alchemist bumped into Riku. "Riku!" he called out, urgently. "Do you know where Orihime went?"
Riku eyes widened slightly in surprise. "She still hasn't come back yet?" His brows knitted in worry. "Yeah, I know where she's at," he told Ed.
(FLASHBACK)
Orihime and Riku trailed up the steep path towards Reo's gravesite. The brown haired young man was kind of surprised when the ginger haired girl asked to come along with him once she discovered that he was going to visit his brother's grave. She clutched onto the bouquet of white roses as she followed him silently up the hillside on the outskirts of town.
When they made it to Reo's tombstone, they both stopped immediately, an gentle and primitive silence bellowing between them. The sun was blazing in the sky, dishing out its rays on the grassy field. Orihime placed the flowers on Reo's grave, quietly.
"Thank you." Riku was the first to speak after half an hour of silence.
Orihime shook her head, soberly. "There's no need to thank me. I didn't really do anything."
He gave a melancholic yet peaceful smile. "You saved my brother, even when you didn't have to. You are a very kind person, Orihime. I know see why my brother...fell in love with you."
The healer didn't say anything, and Riku was okay with that. He was very grateful towards her for everything she's done for both him and Reo. Maybe… He'd start to fall for her as well.
The thought made him chuckle mirthfully.
(END OF FLASHBACK)
Edward trailed up path Riku directed him, which Orihime took. His blond brows furrowed in both anger and worry. He clutched his umbrella high above his head to block out the pouring rain. He could feel the aches and pains of his automail as trudged up the hill. It wasn't ideal for him to be out in the rain, even with an umbrella. Maybe he could've gotten Alphonse or Winry to look for Orihime. But he just wanted to see her himself.
Once on top, it didn't take long for the elder Elric to spot the girl in the distance, her auburn mane of hair easy to spot. "You idiot! What are you doing standing in the rain without a coat or an umbrella? You're going to catch a cold!"
Orihime made no indication that she heard him. Ed shifted his weight from one foot to the other, awkwardly. His golden eyes shifted over her form. She was already soaking wet from the rain, but she didn't seem to mind it. Her clothes clung graciously over her generous form, showing how curvaceous her body is. Her uniform was unbearably tight against her skin. Her auburn hair drenched, gasping at the sides of her face stickly, cascading down her backside with a few strands hanging over her shoulder.
Ed could feel the heat rising in his cheeks. He tilted his head the other way, unable to bare to look at her any longer before he knows he would do or say something stupid. "You shouldn't stand at that idiot's grave."
"Don't talk about him like that!"
Too late.
He jumped, surprised by the anger in her voice.
"Sorry," Orihime said, a little more quieter. "Don't disrespect the dead."
A moment of perpetual silence operated between them.
"I always loved the rain," Orihime finally spoke, wistfully. "Just how the rain connects the earth and sky, I sometimes wondered if I was the rain, would I be able to connect with other people's feelings and feel their pain?"
The blond alchemist stayed quiet, not knowing what to say.
"You know… Eddie, I was trapped in a dream," she said, dejected. "A dream where I forgot all about Winry and Alphonse, even you."
Edward frowned, not knowing what to say. A puddle of subtle anger coursing through him. He didn't know why felt angry, he just did.
"It was like my whole life was back to how it was before I met all of you, before I came to Amestris," Orihime uttered, her voice lacing with wistful longing and doleful ruefulness.
Ed opened his mouth to say something, but kept it close, not knowing what to say. Although, he couldn't help the lingering feeling of happiness that bubbled inside him, the butterflies that fluttered in the pit of his stomach wouldn't stop their gentle buzziness. Maybe he felt this way because it was first time Orihime was willingly opening up to him without feeling like she was being evasive with her words. She was being genuinely honest and sincere. He felt somewhat delighted that she was more open and trusting towards him.
"I was happy," Orihime continued, her fingers twisting into the fabric of her gray skirt. "I was back home with my friends." Her hands starting shaking. "But then, I started to hear your voice, Eddie. Your voice was calling me, it awakened something inside of me." Her voice started to tremble as stifled sobs escaped her due to her heartfelt confession. "I was...strangely happy. I was incredibly elated to hear you calling to me. It made be realize that everything we've been through together was real. It held significant meaning to me. If it wasn't for you," she choked out through her silent, ecstatic sobs. "If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have been able to escape that dream world. Thank you, Edward!"
The ginger haired girl bit the bottom of quivering lips. "Just know that I would do everything in my power to help you and Al get your bodies!" she declared, determined. "That's a promise!"
A moment of blissful, comforting silence passed between them.
Suddenly, Orihime couldn't feel the rain pelting her face or clothes. Her gray eyes gazed over to see Edward shielding her head with an umbrella. His eyes averted the other way, a light pink tint dusting his cheeks.
"Let's head back," Ed announced, trying keep his voice steady. "You're going to catch a cold."
Orihime beamed, happily. "Okay!"
(A/N: That's the end of chapter twenty nine! Hoped you enjoyed it! Yes, I know this story is on hiatus and it still is, but I wanted to finish this three parter first before I completely forget where I was short mini arc. And I almost did forget how I was going to end it. I had to reread the last two chapters. Hahaha! Isn't that pathetic? So I had to hurry up and dish out this chapter before I lose my original idea. I don't know why I decided to take a break in a middle of a three parter anyway. Silly, me.
How did you like the Edward/Orihime moment at the end? I think it was kinda cute and bit heartwarming at the end after everything's that happened the past few chapters.
I was going to add a little 'graduation' thing at the end, but decided not to. I felt like it would make the chapter end on a too happy note for something bittersweet. Plus, the chapter was getting to long as it is. Maybe I'll add it later when there is some downtime. The main premise of it was, realizing that Edward never had a graduation ceremony to celebrate getting his State License, Orihime decides to throw him a high school style graduation ceremony and after party. I'll probably throw it in for later, if I could fit around. Maybe when the gang gets back in Central and before they discover Hughes's death.
Oh yeah, the songs are from Angel Beats. I've rewatched the series, and was reminded how much I loved the series! Especially the soundtrack! Ah, such beautiful music! The song is called 'My Song'. You could look it up. I'm not using the full song. Of course, I don't own the song nor Angel Beats! If you want to listen to the music, go on YouTube.
Anyway, as you may have not known, this chapter and the last two held significance to Orihime's name. I think Orihime's name and her Shun Shun Rikka has more meaning than anyone realizes. Is anyone familiar with Tanabata? I briefly mentioned it last chapter. In short, it's about a princess and a worker who fall in love, but that they become so distracted from their work, God decides to separate the two across the stars of the Milky Way, only allowing them to be reunited one night of the entire year on the seventh of July.
Orihime shares similar parallels to the princess in the folktale. First her name is the same as the princess's, her full name 'Orihime Inoue' could be loosely translated to 'Vega Highwell', 'Vega' is name of the princess's star and 'Highwell' represents her separation from her beloved.
Oh boy, Orihime's name because more and more important as time goes on. I should say just her name herself is somewhat foreshadowing events to come. If you think of how the Shun Shun Rikka… If Orihime is supposed to be like the princess in the Tanabata folktale, and since Orihime's powers have to do with rejecting fate, you think of it as Orihime rejecting her own tragic fate. Orihime's powers literally fights against her very own destiny.
Although, part of me thinks I could've made more character interactions between Orihime and her friends in her dreamworld. However, I didn't want this chapter to be too long. And the fact, Orihime's friends act the way she wants/believes they would act. After all, it's her dream, she controls the reality. Unintentionally. The biggest clue would be… If she did end up confessing her feelings towards Ichigo, he would've reciprocated without a second thought because that's what she wants. Her ideal illusion is specifically designed to make all Orihime's dreams, desires, and wishes come true, so there would be no reason for her to ever wake up from it. And Ichigo's love is one of her desires. However, it could also backfire because if Ichigo instantly accepted her confession, she would vaguely sense that something was wrong, even though it was something she wanted for a long time. Maybe because Orihime knows Ichigo better than that. If he truly doesn't love her as she believes, and isn't just saying 'yes' to avoid hurting her feelings, he wouldn't say 'yes' right off the bat. He's more considerate than that. Unless, he secretly has hidden feelings for her, but Orihime wouldn't believe that. And her insecurities also come into play. Like him saying 'yes' just avoid hurting her feelings, like I said. I just wanted clear up the whole 'Orihime dreamland' thing. The parts that weren't explained, at least. If you have any more questions about it, you could also leave it in a review.
As you may also may have known, this is exploring more of Orihime's emotional turmoil. Her inner thoughts and desires as well as her guilt, sorrow, and self resentment. The despair she keeps hidden away under her cheerful facade.
Well, leave any questions, comments, and suggestions in a review! Thanks for reading!
Yes, the story is still on hiatus. I'll continue this story at the end of summer. Possibly. Just bare with it for another two or three months. I'm going back to writing that genderbent Naruto/Hinata one shot, I've been working on. Maybe even write an Ichigo/Orihime one. Not to mention new anime I need to watch. Well, see ya later! Have a great rest of the summer!)