The jagged yet small ray of sunlight crept along through the dusty window until it glinted off the rim of the exhausted boy's glasses. The beam made the weak girl's eyes scrunch, then drag open slowly.
Where am I? She thought quietly, her fiery locks clinging to her soft, oval face. All she could remember was Uryu's tormented face... Then a heart wrenching cry... Her chest tightened as the memories sharpened and unraveled in her mind, a small gasp of pain escaping as she tried jutting herself up into a sitting position unconsciously.
"You'll re-open your wound, Orihime." Came a sharp voice, his intense blue eyes watching her every move. It made her freeze, then slumping back into the mattress.. Of course he'd hear me move, his ears are so sharp its a miracle he can sleep soundly through the night.
Uryu straightened up and got to his feet, his tattered white garments hanging off his body as he rose to his full height. He pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose as he spoke, his tone emotionless.
"From what I've gathered, we are a good two square miles away from the soul reaper's main compounds. They won't think to look here, or so I hope."
He sighed as his words ceased, his forehead creasing. This mission was becoming worse the longer they stayed in this realm. With Orihime out of commission, babysitting duties would automatically land on his shoulders. He wasn't complaining, but that would mean Ichigo would be short two men...
"Ishida-kun.." Orihime started, her full bring illuminating as she began to heal the wound, smoke colored irises watching the boy's tense form.
"You can help... Ichigo.. I-I will be okay.." She said evenly, sweat beading across her forehead. The damage inflicted on her proved to be substantial, her spiritual energy draining incredibly fast as she patched up the vast majority of broken vessels and muscle tissue. The pain of regrowing them had her bite down on her lip, determined to finish before her power gave out once and for all.
The boy turned to face her, his stony features hiding the full extent of disgust and rage he felt for hurting someone so very precious to him... He'd protect her, and that was for certain. For her to suggest such a thing was completely ludicrous. Folding his arms, he exhaled deeply prior to sitting on the worn wooden seat beside the bed.
"I'm not leaving you defenseless and thats all I have to say on the topic." He replied icily, not even bothering to spare her a glimpse. Not until her warm hand touched his, and held onto it. The simple gesture had his mind reeling, almost giddily. He finally looked down, her eyes locked on his with a blazing determination.
"I-I will... Use... My po-power.. If I have to.." She uttered between gritted teeth, her fingers tightening around his hand. Why didn't he listen to her? Rukia was about to be executed! This wasn't the time for her to have him pity her. She wasn't weak..
I am not WEAK.
Her body glowed with healing light as she thought those words, the force of the condensed spiritual energy surrounding her exploding exponentially. Uryu was nearly flung back as he watched her, mouth agape as she got shakily off the bed and to her feet, her skin glimmering a golden-orange glow that radiated around the small room. Her long hair swirled around her face as she called upon her powers, the wound knitting quickly before the light died and she was on her feet again, her willpower even stronger then before.
"Rukia needs....us." She said quietly, holding a small hand out to Uryu for him to take. He did so and without thinking, wrapped the girl in his arms.
Her cheeks went pink, not exactly knowing what to do... Boys were foreign to her. He smelled good, like pine and something else she couldn't place. Something uniquely Uryu..
"Okay, Orihime. Stay close to me.."
The girl smiled, her eyes crinkling.
"Always, Ishida-kun.."
Hah! Cliffhanger! Don't be mad! Next chapter will be out by next week or so
Sorry for the long hiatus! I love all my fans ;)
