XX
The Queen who Never Was
Inner beauty is important, there's no doubt. But Orihime can't help but think that she's never had trouble with outer beauty either, with her long auburn hair, slim figure and unique gray eyes. She has the beauty of a Queen and, when the situation requires it, the grace and understanding of one as well. You cannot overcome Stockholm Syndrome or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or the grief of having your only known relative die or the loneliness of living alone without being strong.
And yet…she is underestimated. By her friends, who believe her to be a pretty porcelain doll, someone to be kept oblivious and protected lest she shatter before their eyes. By her enemies, who believe she has no backbone or bravery. By her comrades, who put her out of harm's way at their own cost.
Her strength is a different kind than Ichigo's, or Rukia's, Uryu's, Tatsuki's, even Momo's. Orihime's strength is the purity that continues to shine forth from the darkness when all seems lost. She has the strength to believe when there is no hope for anyone else left. She is not a fighter in body, but a warrior in heart and soul. She fights to believe and strives to protect at whatever cost. She is strong and brave and powerful and unfathomably kind and pure. Her maturity is that of a reigning monarch of a land where everyone is prepared for death, her grace of a woman who has seen countless people fall in battle.
But no one notices as they go off to fight their battles, leaving their ignorant princess in the tower.
She is the queen who never was.
XX
It's my humble opinion that Orihime is stronger than anyone gives her credit for. Even if she wasn't in love with Ulquiorra, she became attached to him, and had to watch him die before the hand of the man she loves. She gave herself up instead of fighting an easily-lost battle, unlike any other character in the series. But because her attitude is sweet and innocent, everyone thinks she shouldn't have to fight.
Please tell me what you think.