Coincidence...?

Orihime woke up lying on a stony ground covered in mucous. She wiped her faced with her sleeve, only for more mucous to be smeared. Someone handed her a cloth and she was able to clear her eyes to see.

In front of her was a wounded Ichigo and the group from Karakura town. She noticed he was in his Bankai form still, and realized she had missed the final fight. However, she was alive so that's all that mattered.

"Orihime, you're all right. Thank goodness."

"Ichigo, you look terrible! Are you okay? Also, what's with the new outfit, it's really cool."

"Oh, this is my Bankai, its much more powerful than Shikai."

He explained to her, thinking she hadn't encountered that term yet. Orihime nodded and looked around. Renji and Rukia weren't here, so it was likely that they haven't teleported yet.

Then, as if summoning the devil himself, Aizen appears with Renji, Rukia, Gin, and Kaname.

'Dammit!' Orihime cursed.

Aizen began to go on and on about how smart he is. He explained his plans up to this point, people he killed, and the machinations he put into place. Aizen also mentioned to Ichigo that he had been watching him since he was born. Then, he gave Sajin, Ichigo and Renji a quick beating, while Kaname and Gin held off the other captains at the scene.

He dragged Rukia away and proceeded to activate the extraction device. Rukia suddenly turned white as she realized what this was. However, she didn't say anything. In fact, Orihime thought there was even a subtle hint of sympathy and mockery in Rukia's eyes.

When his arm turned green with a bark-like texture, he reached into her soul and pulled out a clear case with a very small pearl, half the size of the hogyoku that Orihime got from Urahara.

"So, this is the hogyoku. It is a lot smaller than I imagined."

He held up Rukia and signaled Gin to kill her. However, at this moment, time seemed to slow down in Orihime's perspective. It was a strange phenomenon that she hadn't experienced before, but she saw Byakuya approaching at a running speed. Compared to everyone else, he seemed to be moving like normal.

Gin's sword began extending at a rapid speed, but Orihime felt she could outrun it. She charged towards Rukia, in hopes to block the hit for the Kuchiki brother and sister.

However, something strange occurred. Byakuya successfully grabbed Rukia and pulled her to the side. He tried leaning his body to block, but then made eye contact with Orihime.

Byakuya could recognize the fact that they were moving at the same speed, otherwise she wouldn't be able to perceive him like that. But for whatever reason, his mind went blank staring at her purple and blue eyes.

Because of this, Gin's blade lined up straight at his chest, instead of arm like Byakuya intended. Orihime panicked and embraced him to block the blade.

She was relying on her power to automatically stop the blade, but it didn't activate. Unbeknownst to her, Hogyoku was still evolving her powers, so they were currently inactive.

Due to this, her cleavage was completely exposed. Byakuya was now smothered in her breasts with a sword through his shoulder. Since the sword went through Orihime first, they were pinned together like a skewer. Orihime looked up at him with a gentle gaze, thankful that she made it in time.

By complete coincidence, the mucous she had been covered in had matted down her hair so that it resembled very much like Hisana. There were even strands of hair down her face. Byakuya's heart skipped a beat at this sight.

Unconsciously, he grabbed Orihime who began to fall once the blade retracted from his shoulder and her abdomen. Now, with two women in his arms, he too, collapsed. The wounds from his fight with Ichigo had re-opened.

"B—brother! Orihime!" Rukia cried out.

At this point, Yoruichi and Soi Fon arrive, completely catching Aizen off guard. A blade to his neck and his Zanpakuto sealed. Also, Kenpachi and several lieutenants arrive on scene to assist. However, Aizen chuckled as a beam of light shot down engulfing Aizen, Gin, and Kaname.

After narrowly escaping, Yoruichi explains this beam exists in another dimension, therefore no one can go in or out. Additionally, a large rift opened in the sky of Soul Society and several Menos Grande and Gillians stretched out, assisting in the recovery of the three traitors. Once the three of them were taken into the world of Hollows, the rift closed and dust settled.

Orihime woke up soon after, lying on the ground near Byakuya. The healing mucous from Unohana's Shikai helped stabilize her before the healers even got to her. Whereas Byakuya had captain-level strength so the wounds wouldn't take long to heal.

Orihime looked over at him, they were only a few feet away being treated together. He coincidently looked over at the same time and they locked eyes again. Byakuya was having difficulty understanding his emotions. He justified it to himself as being muddleheaded from wounds.

Byakuya had called Rukia over to tell her the truth about her sister. Orihime could overhear it. Even though she knew the story, it still caused her to cry. Rukia's sister died before finding her to reunite. It was truly sad.

Once the story was over, the mood was solemn between the three of them. Orihime felt like a third wheel, but couldn't really leave the healing barrier setup by fourth division.

"Orihime, thank you for saving my brother. I… I don't know how I can repay you."

"Rukia! I'm disappointed in you. We're friends, aren't we? Also, I came all the way here to save you, but you haven't thanked me for that!"

Orihime talked in a silly voice and made funny faces at Rukia. This caused her heart to lighten and she nodded happily.

Byakuya simply watched their interaction. He had already learned from Ichigo that these friends were truly there just to rescue his sister. Being unable to decide between two vows had torn him up. However, he was relieved that Rukia was saved in the end.

As the aftermath was being cleaned up, Orihime was able to sit up finally. She called Rukia over to talk with her and grabbed her hands, speaking in a whispered tone.

"Rukia, I want to stay and become a Soul Reaper. Can you help?"

"I don't know how I'd be able to help…"

"Hehe, actually, I already have a recommendation from the Shihoin family. Also, I think that a few captains would vouch for me. I was hoping you could let me stay with you? We can train together to help regain your powers!"

"I don't think I can make that decision…"

"Miss Inoue may stay in the guest courtyard. You will be responsible for any rules she breaks." Byakuya spoke up, surprising both of the girls.

'Since when was he eavesdropping?' Orihime wondered. But she and Rukia were delighted.

Once he was healed enough, he got up on his own and left after that. Rukia followed him, but told Orihime to go over to the Kuchiki Manor once she was healed. Once Rukia left, Orihime rejoined with the group from Karakura town.

"Orihime, should you be up?"

"Ah, I'll be fine, my body is tough!"

"They invited us to stay and heal up at the Medical Relief Station before going back to the world of the living."

Suddenly, Yoruichi smacked Orihime in the back of the head. She had just walked over with Soi Fon and was disappointed in all the wounds on Orihime's body.

"What did I even teach you? How did you get so many wounds?"

"Aha, actually, all of the wounds are from Gin Ichimaru. We fought one-on-one not too long ago, and to my displeasure, he ends up impaling me a second time. Ah, hello Captain, I didn't see you there."

Orihime quickly bows to the captain Soi Fon. Yoruichi smacks her again when she bows.

"Soi Fon, this is the one I was telling you about. I have already trained her, so I want you to take her into the second division when she graduates."

"But Lady Yoruichi, I can't just ignore the procedure…"

"If you don't think she's capable, then you can ignore that. Just give her a fair test, similar to any other member."

"Yes, Lady Yoruichi."

However, Soi Fon gave her a death glare. Orihime gulped when she realized this Yoruichi fanatic had a grudge against her. Yoruichi must have said too much about their time together.

Back during their training, Orihime was forced to groom her when she failed to meet goals. Someone obsessive like Soi Fon would naturally find this to be an affront to her claim.

Orihime was screaming internally. Nothing good would come from being under Soi Fon. She had to fail her test at all costs!

"Orihime, what does Yoruichi mean about you joining a division?"

"Ah, actually, I was hoping to tell you guys after everyone was healed. I'm not going back home. I have this strength, and I want to use it responsibly. Therefore, I wish to join the Spiritual Arts academy and properly become a Soul reaper."

"Orihime, what about school? What about your friends?"

"That's the reason that pushed me to make this choice. I want to be useful to you, Ichigo, and everyone. I have a talent for being a Soul Reaper and the best place to learn is here."