If I Believe in One Thing
Ichigo sat repeating the Captain Commander's words in his head:
"I forbid it."
"Stand by until you receive further orders."
"I forbid it."
Brooding over the denial for a way to Hueco Mundo, the young Substitute Shinigami rose to find his own path. He immediately became distracted when he saw his healed hand. The world froze around him whilst the words of Captain Yamamato again replayed in his mind.
"Inoue Orihime.."
He remembered fighting Orihime's Hollowified brother. How it was her that gave him to the resolve to save Rukia from the Soul Society.
"...joined the..."
The tears she shed after his fight against Byukuya. When she was brutalized by Yammy.
"...Arrancar of..."
How Rukia made him promise to protect Orihime. Then he remembered a more peaceful time, when he'd seen her out with Tatsuki, smiling and carefree. A chilling horror gripped him suddenly at the thought of never seeing that smile again. It cut him deeper than any wound he'd taken in all his battles.
"...her own fr..."
"No!" Ichigo snapped to not let his mind repeat the rest of Yamamato's words. He remembered again Orihime's smile. Right there he made a vow to himself, "It doesn't matter what comes next, whatever happens, even if everything and everyone tells me otherwise, I believe in her."
Although those words weighed heavier on him than Ichigo could have imagined, the world resumed its turn with his promise. He was now determined to waver no longer. He would focus first on just finding a way to reach Hueco Mundo.
"I'll go see Urahara-san," he decided, and left Orihime's empty apartment. He avoided looking around out of respect for his missing friend, but also so he wouldn't trigger any more memories of her. He started towards the unassuming candy shop in the quiet part of Karakura Town.