Disclaimer: sadly, i don't own it.

Later, they would reflect and say that intellect was a far more powerful weapon than brute strength. They would say they had underestimated his...that traitor's. But truly how were they supposed to know?

***

His heart beat furiously, breath coming in short desperate gasps as his blood pounded around...and out of his body. But since when would Kurosaki Ichigo let something as inconsequential as a life threatening wound hold him back? Besides, at least he was only wounded. Ulquiorra on the other hand was dead. It had cost him so much energy. Stubbornly, Ichigo pushed his legs harder, to run faster, run to where he could feel a group of familiar, good reiatsu.

His breathing was becoming shallower and his legs felt like lead. 'Dammit! Distract yourself, don't think about the pain,' he ordered his tired body as he picked up the pace. To do just that, he let his mind wonder to what felt like days ago but what was really, only an hour ago.

'Oh look. The piece of scum has drawn in even more scum. You humans are so pathetic and so predictable,' Ulquiorra drawled as Renji, Rukia, Chad and Ishida burst in to the room. Ichigo growled, his voice low and guttural. His eyes flicked to his left briefly where Orihime stood, rooted to the spot, a horrified expression carved on her face.

'Guys take Inoue and get out of here. Ulquiorra's mine,' he barred his teeth together menacingly at the Espada in front of him.

'No, I'm staying here,' Orihime said in a quiet but firm voice. Ichigo growled again, but this time in frustration. Still, his eyes never left his enemy's calculating gaze.

'Please,' she whimpered. 'Let me help you. You're badly hurt, let me at least do this one small thi – '

'Don't you understand woman? You're just going to be a burden to him and get in the way as useless as you are. He's holding back a bit so that you don't get injured. As if it would make a difference,' Ulquiorra coolly taunted.

Ichigo's thoughts blurred by the stabbing pains in his chests that had nothing to do with his wounds, as he took in Inoue's pained and ashamed expression from the corner of his eye. He knew how badly it hurt her – not being able to take an active part in the fighting. But there was no other way. With a heavy heart, he looked at her pain stricken face.

'Go,' he breathed. I'm sorry, he added in his thoughts. But it's better this way.

He was nearly there. The closer he got the more he could feel the anxiety in his friends' reiatsu. Were they under attack? He ran faster, driven by the sudden burst of adrenaline, at the thought of battle.

He reached them within seconds and stood before them confused. They were alone. No enemies around them as far as the eye could see.'

'She's not with you?' Rukia who was standing closest to him asked alarmed.

'Who?' he replied. His Nakama's faces turned solemn. He looked round: Rukia, Renji, Ishida, Chad – shit.

'Where's Inoue?' he demanded.

In retrospect, he should have realized that the Espada would never have normally relinquished hold of Orihime so easily, unless there was something...

A:N/ so there's the first chap! I know its really short but i promise it'll get better! Ive got a whole storyline set for this! It will overtime become ichi/hime.

Please review and tell me what you think!

Sacmis x