Lamenting Enchantment (A Bleach/Ulquihime fic)

Chapter 33

This is not my story! All credits go to The. Teal. Rose. on Fanfiction.net. This story belongs solely to the author.
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Chapter 33: Forlorn Silhouette
Chapter XXXIII

Forlorn Silhouette

"When you come back you will not be you. And I may not be I."

― E.M. Forster

The only sound reverberating through the hall was the struggle between two Zanpakuto as Ichigo and Ulquiorra intensely regarded the other. The Espada could not determine why the boy still continued to withhold his full abilities. The Hollow mask he possessed was the only remote chance he had at surviving.

Then, as his eyes subtly lifted, he spotted the woman standing behind Ichigo and all at once knew why he was suppressing his strength. Darkness seeped in and accompanied the realization that the Shinigami was being wary of her involvement. The man before him was trying to protect her and he....what was he trying to do? What would he do with the woman after his victory? Killing Kurosaki Ichigo was inevitable and, subsequently, her complete and entire detachment to the fragile connection that still bound them.

Still, he could not suppress his revulsion at the level of devotion portrayed between the pair. Though it was true that he did not want her harmed as a result of their battle...the complete abhorrence remained. Abhorrence at the unabashed level of trust the two placed in one another.

"Hmm," he mused softly before suddenly thrusting his opponent aside and kicking him hard in the stomach.

The Shinigami grunted as he was sent sprawling onto his back on the floor, his eyes closed tight as he grimaced at the impact.

"Is it her fault?" Ulquiorra voiced his thoughts aloud, withholding his gaze from the woman before him. He slowly began to walk forward, "Is her presence preventing you from putting on your mask?"

Orihime clutched her hands tightly over her chest as she anxiously watched the motions of the Espada. She desperately tried to ease the pounding of her heart but, in the wake of his overpowering presence, she found that even the ability to breathe was denied her.

He was still...the most beautiful person she had ever seen. He was powerful, captivating and entirely commanding. Ulquiorra-kun...she allowed his name to entangle her within the depths of enticement. At such a time...why was she reacting in such a way? Sweet memories filled her mind; memories of his caress, his warmth, his gentleness. I still see that better person within you, Ulquiorra-kun...Even now, I still see it desperately waiting to emerge.

Ulquiorra stopped as he reached where Ichigo still laid, his calculating eyes analyzing the next appropriate course of action. He began to understand that the only way for the fight to truly come to a close, would be to either take the duel elsewhere, or carry the woman to a different location. It would only take an instant to lock her somewhere out of the way.

His impulses began to respond with surprising intensity at the prospect of carrying her in his arms, despite his completely apathetic intentions. She would resent him for imprisoning her but....there wasn't any other option at present.

"In that case..." he began, before suddenly lifting his eyes and allowing them to reside upon Orihime. However, what he found upon her face was unexpected. Fear and worry were now entirely absent and in its wake...fascination resided.