Goodbye [Chapter 428.8]
…Where am I?
Ulquiorra's eyes focused on the unfamiliar features presented to him.
A Ceiling fan.
Two ceiling lights.
Cream shaded walls that meet at four corners.
Following the rays of light his eyes traced the room, finding an open window.
So this is Sunrise.
He did not expect to be conscious at this point of time. Or even, at all. Nothing makes sense in this moment.
Seemingly unfamiliar with existing, the Cuartro Espada tested the power in his limbs, lifting up his rigid right arm only to find his fingers entwined with ember locks of hair…
Stiffly he moved his neck to discover her lying motionless across his abdomen.
So, it was you. Woman.
Ulquiorra continued to remain on the floor, regenerating himself. She wasn't complete. His reiatsu was still in fragments, the reason why people in the vicinity of this house did not already start collapsing into comas.
My eye sees everything, he used to think. Nothing can escape it.
What it does not see does not exist.
Now he refuses to believe what he sees.
Because of the heart you fell into Aizen's traps. You betrayed your friends and unwittingly surrendered to us.
Because of the heart you sacrifice. You become enraged with hatred and sorrow.
Because of the heart you become savage beasts to primitive emotions.
Slowly sitting up, he moved his head to look down at the woman resting quietly in his lap.
Because of the heart you and your friends managed to go beyond all odds and emerge victorious.
His hand subconsciously sieved through the locks and twirls of her hair.
Because of the heart you made me believe in what I could not see.
He didn't have much time. Once he was fully regenerated he would have to leave before Ichigo and the rest of her friends detect him.
Friends, huh.
Is that why you brought me back?
I did everything in my power to crush your spirit. I did everything to destroy your so-called hope.
I put your heart on countless trials, waiting to see what I wanted to see, waiting to show you what I could see. All my anticipations. All at once. Ruined.
Not once did you beg for mercy.
Not once did you attempt to end your life
And when I thought you finally understood the meaningless of the heart, the tables turned on me from your single cry of help.
And you still do not fear me. I, a monstrous, callous being who could have killed you at any second.
Instead,
You gave me your heart.
The Espada's strength had nearly all returned. He knew he did not belong here on earth, and there is not much time left to waste. Picking himself off the floor, he carried Inoue in his arms, still fast asleep and unaware of what was happening.
Slowly, he lowered her into her bed and tucked her in. Aizen entrusted her to him, after all.
He turned to go.
"I suppose only these words you humans use seem appropriate for this time," he spoke.
He stared at the wall for a moment, before turning around again to face the girl.
He bent down.
And kissed her on the lips.
"…Thank you."
He straightened up back into his stolid posture, walked towards the window, and flew out of her room.
Standing on the rooftop, a Garganta opened and in one swift motion, the raven haired Arrancar stepped into the darkness and vanished into the void.