the impertinent girl continued to back away. "It was strongly suggested by the Captain Commander that I not harm you or these children in any way. But what real scientist would allow such trivial warnings to impede important research?"

Her normally soft brown eyes hardened and her mouth drew into a tight line. Her children were not research subject, nor would she stand to hear them referred to as such. They were her precious babies and she already loved them both desperately. "Stay away from me!"

"Come now, I'm willing to be generous and only take one."

Orihime's eyes widen in horror as the captain took another step closer, his pale hand outstretched. "No," She shouted, pressing a hand to her stomach in an attempt to soothe her babies, letting themknow their mother would protect them without fail. "I will never let you touch my children."

Hinagiku Baigon and Lily streaked forward, sensing their mistress' intent and activated her defensive shield just as Kurotsuchi grabbed for her. The trio of spirits beamed proudly as the glowing barrier appeared three times its normal size, strengthen by Orihime's resolve and repelling the captain with ease.

Mayuri glanced down at his charred hand curiously as tendrils of smoke rose from his ruined fingertips. Pain, such delicious pain. She would pay for that. He looked towards the redheaded woman in front of him and forgot about his paltry injury. His golden eyes narrowed and he tilted his head in observation. This was new. The top point and both sides of her shield now curved