Chapter Fourteen

When Ulquiorra woke the sun was just beginning to set. He blinked his eyes several times to adjust to the brightness, as he tried to shake the tight hold sleep still had on him. His body was still fatigued and every muscle ached. The pain in his throat had subsided, but he was reminded every time he swallowed of his carelessness during his fight with Grimmjow.

Slowly he sat up and swung his feet over the side of his bed and placed them on the floor. He stood, only to sway slightly, the room growing dark momentarily, before he regained his bearings. It made no sense. After a day of sleep he should have regenerated completely, yet he could still feel the effects of his injury.

"Oh, Master Cain," a young girl, with her black hair secured in a bun, rushed forward to assist him. "I am so sorry. I fell asleep when I should have been seeing to your needs."

"It's okay Momo," his voice was still coarse and he winced unconsciously when he spoke, "I don't need your help."

"No, no. Jushiro told me to take care of you when you woke up," she wrung her hands and looked down as she continued, "He also told me to contact him as soon as you came to."

"Then you should go let him know," he whispered. He was still naked from the previous evening's bath, and being in front of the young girl in such a state was embarrassing for them both.

She nodded; her eyes still averted from his form, and quickly exited the room. He had barely made it from the bathroom when Jushiro had returned. He took in Ulquiorra's shaking body and quickly rushed over to him, lending him his arm and leading him back to the bed.

"You shouldn't be up without help," the man chided.

"I shouldn't be this weak either," he replied.

"You lost a great deal of blood before I found you," Jushiro tried to sound nonchalant, but Ulquiorra could hear the concern in the man's voice.

"I suppose," he decided to let it drop rather than make Jushiro any more anxious than he already was.

Still Ulquiorra felt his weak state went beyond the effects of extreme blood loss. In fact he was suspicious that it could have something to do with his struggle to remain in this world after Urahara had tried to revive him during his battle with Grimmjow. Regardless of the reason he understood one thing; he was not leaving until Orihime realized this life was not real and rejected its existence.

"I wish to see Orihime," he said as Jushiro left his side and went to get him some clothes.

His friend stopped as he opened the door to Cain's closet, "You have barely recovered from your encounter with her lover," He walked inside and selected the clothes for Ulquiorra to wear that evening and upon exiting said, "Give yourself time to heal."

"I do not need a lecture from you, Jushiro," his throat burned as he raised his voice and he left it there.

Jushiro though was nowhere near finished. Coming to stand at the side of the bed he said, "You could have died Cain."

Ulquiorra remained silent. His eyes held a challenge, even if he didn't voice his irritation.

"She has brought you nothing but trouble since you took her from the hunter," he laid the clothes on the bed and helped Ulquiorra with his pants. "It would send Grimmjow a powerful message if you allowed me to kill her and dump her body on his doorstep."

Ulquiorra pushed Jushiro's hands away and finished putting on his pants by himself. Once more he swayed on his feet as he stood too quickly. Jushiro reached for him but he shot him a disapproving look and the man retreated.

Buttoning his pants he said, "I am not looking to send a message to the hunter."

"I can bring you other women," Jushiro stated as Ulquiorra struggled to get his shirt on.

"I do not desire other women," he finally managed to get his arms through the sleeves of his shirt. "I want Orihime."

"I wish you would reconsider, Cain," Jushiro sighed.

"I need to see her," he met Jushiro's gaze, "When I left last night I was angry…I wish to apologize…"

"Cain," Jushiro's eye's narrowed, "You've been asleep for almost thirty-six hours."

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Running his hands through his hair he repeated, "Thirty-six hours?"

"I was not kidding earlier," Jushiro lowered his voice, the concern back again, "I have never seen you so close to death."

Ulquiorra laid his hand on the man's shoulder and said, "I didn't mean to worry you. Things just spiraled out of control very quickly."

"So you still wish for me to bring Orihime to you?" Jushiro asked.

"Yes," he nodded.

Jushiro left and Ulquiorra sat back down. Just that simple exchange had left him exhausted, but he needed to see Orihime. He feared the damage his temper may have caused the other night, and hoped time had not made matters worse.

Orihime had been left alone for the past two days following Hanataro's death and Cain's explosive outburst. A servant had brought her meals, but even she did not say too much while she was in Orihime's room. Something had happened. Something bad she assumed. The house had become very quiet, and the absence of even Jushiro, made her fear for the worst.

So when he finally entered her room she felt relief that things would get back to normal. Yet as soon as she got a good look at him, her earlier anxiety returned.

He stared at her dress a moment before speaking, "Cain wishes to see you."

She exhaled loudly, unaware that she had even been holding her breath. Seeing Cain left her feeling extremely conflicted. After all, their last encounter had been very unpleasant, and she had no idea what to expect after two days away.

Jushiro walked closer and stopped in front of her. Once more he looked her over and then spoke low, his voice colder than she had ever heard it before, "I don't understand what it is about you that has Cain so enthralled."

She reared back, unsure if she should be offended or not.

"Admittedly you are a beautiful woman," he continued, inspecting her as if she were a bug under a magnifying glass. "And you can be quite lovely at times." He reached out and grabbed her chin as he peered even closer. "Don't get me wrong, Orihime, I do enjoy your company, but as the lover of Cain's enemy, I find you an unacceptable risk."

She shook her head trying to shake his grip.

"Then let me leave," she replied.

"Cain will hear nothing of it," his hand tightened. "He is impossible to move once he has made his mind up about something, and you are the newest object of his desire. I though do not trust you." Suddenly both his hands were on her, quickly working his way down her body. She had no time to respond and before she could stop him he pulled out the blade she still kept strapped to her thigh. Holding it up he looked it over before saying coolly, "And with good reason I see."

She backed away but he closed the distance and pressed the blade to her throat.

"Would you kill him in his sleep?" he asked as the blade lightly cut her throat. She shook her head and he smiled coldly, "Your lover may not like you depriving him of his prey."

"It was for protection…"

"Cain is the one in need of protection," he removed the blade and stepped back. "You have brought him nothing but pain, and I promise you, if you do anything to bring him further harm I will kill you myself, regardless of Cain's orders."

She swallowed and nodded again.

"Let us go then," he said as he took her hand and pushed her forward.

They made their way to Cain's room and once inside he left her to walk over to where the vampire sat on his bed. Cain's shirt was still unbuttoned and his hair was a disheveled mess.

"I found this strapped to her leg," Jushiro stated as he handed the knife to Cain. "Do you still wish to be left alone with her?"

"I can handle myself," Cain replied and Orihime was shocked by the hoarse sound of his normally rich voice.

"If that is your wish," Jushiro turned and left.

The door closed behind them and Cain sat silently looking at the blade in his hand. She wondered what was goin through his mind or if he would react with anger as Jushiro had, but he surprised her when he finally looked up at her and spoke, "I wanted to apologize for the other night. I was… not myself."

Orihime exhaled sharply and then recovering quickly said, "I thought you were still angry, since I had not seen you for two days."

"Understandable," his voice still sounded gravelly and she forgot her earlier fear as she stepped closer.

"Something happened to you," she peered closely at him as he sat completely still.

She spotted the thin, vertical scar on his throat. Reaching out she touched it lightly with her fingertips and he closed his eyes momentarily. The wound was raised slightly, but the scar was smooth and when she pulled back her hand she asked, "What happened?"

"I was stabbed," he replied bluntly.

"Stabbed?" she met his gaze, "How?"

"I suppose you could say I was distracted," he laid the blade on the bed beside him and reached for her hands. Taking them in his he said, "I will not be so careless again."

Her heart began to race in her chest while in her mind a dozen different questions began to form.
"And your opponent?" she asked.

"My opponent?"

"Did you…well if you were injured…did he…or she…"

"It was Grimmjow," he spoke and even with the raspy quality of his voice she could hear the cold anger present itself again.

Dropping her hands he stood and she backed up a few steps to give him space. His hand went to his throat as he lightly traced the scar.

"Is he still alive?" she asked before thinking of the consequences.

His hands froze in place as he stared at her silently. When he spoke his voice was low, and controlled, "I did not possess the strength to finish him off."

She took a deep breath and let it out in a rush. The silence descended upon them once more. Cain dropped his hand to his side.

"You are relieved," he stated softly.

"Of course I am," was her honest reply.

Once more silence. He turned and reached for the blade on the bed. Staring at it for several heartbeats he whispered, "Would you have killed me, Orihime?"

She stood rooted in place. If she had been stronger she would have met his gaze, but something in his tone, perhaps the pain that now replaced the anger, made her feel ashamed that she had indeed contemplated such a thing.

"Would you have me remain defenseless?" she spoke in reply.

"Your life has never been at risk in this home," he lowered his voice.

"Two of your trusted men have already told me they would kill me."

"I suppose that was on the condition that you tried to harm me," he stepped past her and walked over to his dresser. Opening the top drawer he placed the knife inside and closed it. Turning back to her he said, "They are concerned…"

"Because I am the lover of your enemy," she finished for him.

He took a few steps closer to her and looked into her eyes.

"You belong to me," he reached out and took her hand in his. "Your past with Grimmjow is of little consequence."

She pulled her hand from his and said, "It is of great consequence to me."

His eyes narrowed, "You should forget him."

"I can't," she answered growing increasingly angrier. "Do you expect me to forget the man I love?"

He reared back and she noticed the change in his eyes. He clenched his hands tightly at his sides, and she could feel the dark aura that clung to him when his body began to transform surround them.

"You have already done such a thing," his eyes glowed golden around the irises.

"I do not love you," she spoke softly.

He breathed in sharply and stepped away from her. Once more he grew silent. When he finally spoke, his voice was cold and lifeless, "I believed I was a stronger man, but this world is consuming my soul. I am losing myself and eventually I will be unable to remember why I even came here." He met her gaze once more and continued, "But before that happens you must understand Orihime, I did this for you. I refuse to let you go without a fight, and no matter what happens to me, you need to believe that I will always love you."

She was unsure of how to respond. The things he said were impossible. How could she have created a whole other world? And this world was so violent. Why not create a more peaceful existence? It made no sense at all. Once more she reminded herself that it was most likely a trick Cain was using to sway her to his side.

Yet he seemed so sincere, and his despair so genuine, and in her heart she hurt to see him suffer so. He was such an enigma to her, and not at all the one-dimensional character she had believed he would be. There was so much more to him; a depth that touched her soul and connected with her heart. As angry as she was that he had taken her from Grimmjow, and as much as she loved the hunter, she could not help but feel drawn to Cain.

"You are confusing to me," she spoke with honesty.

"When I first met you," his voice softened, and he took a step closer to her, "I was not looking to fall in love. In fact I didn't believe in such folly. Yet you persisted. You gave me your heart. You trusted me to hold it in my hands, and in time I found the courage to do the same."

He once more took her hands in his and this time she did not pull back. His gaze grew more intense, but his eyes returned to the green of earlier.

"You made me believe that I could be loved and cherished. But then," he hesitated and seemed to censor himself before continuing, "I failed to keep you safe, and you retreated from our life, creating this life instead. And now…now I suppose I am paying the price for letting you go. I thought I could get you back, but when this story plays to its conclusion, I fear I will truly be the villain you painted me," his voice lowered, "And Grimmjow will replace me permanently in your heart.

He released her hands and walked back over to the bed and sat down again. His breathing was coming hard and his skin was flushed. He was still so weak, and she grew alarmed. Cain was invincible, wasn't he? So why was he unable to recover from the injury that Grimmjow had inflicted upon him?

"Cain?" she walked over and sat down beside him on the bed, "What is happening to you?"

He shook his head.

"Is there anything I can do?"

He looked up at her and his voice was so hoarse she had to strain to understand him, "Believe in me, Orihime."

He lifted a shaking hand and traced her lips tenderly.

"Come home with me…"

They were interrupted by a loud knock on the door. He sat erect and dropped his hand. She remained immobile, her heart racing from his touch and his sincere declaration.

"Cain?" Shunsui's voice called out impatiently, "Are you still in here?"

Cain stood slowly and his expression hardened. The intimacy of the moment was lost and she could see that he was frustrated by the intrusion.

"Enter," Cain croaked and the door opened revealing the normally carefree vampire. Yet now his expression was grim.

"Some of the others have returned," Shunsui stated, "It seems that Toshiro and Rangiku ran into Grimmjow and a few other hunters."

Cain's mood darkened further at the mention of Grimmjow's name, "Where are they now?" Cain whispered.

"Only Toshiro returned," Shunsui spoke low.

She found it hard to tell what impact that statement had on Cain, but the air in the room grew heavy, "Bring him, as well as the others, here."

Shunsui nodded and left without a word. Cain stood still with his back to her. He was silent for some time, but after a moment she realized that he was in fact speaking. His voice was so soft she had to strain to hear him. Whatever it was that he was saying, it was obvious from the tone that he was trying to calm himself. It would appear that Rangiku meant more to him than he let on, and suddenly her earlier feelings of a connection to him, made her feel more like a fool.

Ulquiorra was stunned by Shunsui's implication that Rangiku was dead. As much as he reminded himself that this world was merely an illusion, and that none of these characters actually existed, he could not seem to believe that fact with his heart. The idea that Rangiku may have been killed wounded him just as much as if she had been a flesh and blood person. He was losing his ability to separate reality from fiction, and that was more dangerous than any other threat in this world.

Bringing Orihime home, to their own reality, was the entire reason he had risked his life to come here, but he was getting bogged down in his attachments to the other characters he encountered. Yet none of them were real, and as he tried to compose himself, he softly chanted that phrase over and over again. Still it did no good to dispel his anger and regret. And as Toshiro and the others entered his room his ire only increased.

The boy was not much older than Hanataro, and had been brought into the household by Rangiku. He tended to be sullen at times, but he was loyal to the female vampire, and a favorite of Jushiro. Now Toshiro could barely stand. His skin, one part of his face and a good portion of his chest, was badly burned, and even with regeneration, Ulquiorra knew the boy would live with disfiguring scars for the rest of his life.

Ulquiorra could only ask, "What happened?"

"The hunters cornered us in the tunnels," the boy's voice was cold. "Someone threw a holy water grenade and we couldn't avoid its blast." Toshiro paused to catch his breath. "They bound Rangiku and that bastard Granz tortured her."

The other vampires that had accompanied the boy to Cain's room grew restless behind Toshiro. Ulquiorra stepped closer and placed his hand on the boy's uninjured shoulder.

"You couldn't have done anything in the face of so many," he said reassuringly.

Toshiro's face hardened and he glanced from Ulquiorra to Orihime and then back again, "Grimmjow was there." Orihime gasped loudly and Toshiro smiled menacingly. "It was obvious that he had not recovered from the injuries he incurred at your hand," his voice lowered and he said, "I could still smell the blood on him, and his skin was pale. But his eyes," Toshiro stood a little more erect, "were crazed, and his hatred for you has clouded every one of his actions."

"Killing Rangiku was calculated," Jushiro spoke as he stepped forward. He opened his hand and held out his palm to Ulquiorra. In it was a necklace with a heart pendant. It had been Rangiku's, given to her by her former lover, and she never took it off.

Ulquiorra reached for it and grasped it tightly in his hand.

"The hunters knew who she was," Jushiro continued, but his gaze went to Orihime, "They killed her because she was your lover."

Orihime remained silent and a quick look in her direction revealed nothing to Ulquiorra of what she was thinking. He turned back to Toshiro. His own thoughts were racing and he wasn't even sure what he was feeling anymore.

Toshiro seemed to sense his confusion. Speaking precisely, each word carefully chosen, he spoke with bitterness, "They poisoned her, but it was different from Hanataro. It burned her…from the inside out…"

The boy swayed on his feet and Jushiro grabbed him. "You don't have to say anymore," the white-haired vampire spoke soothingly.

"No, you need to know it all," Toshiro turned back to Ulquiorra with fury now in his eyes, "She cried out in pain and they just watched. No one did anything to stop it. They could have killed her outright, but they let her die slow and tortuously. And then…I thought they would do the same to me…but they let me go." His glare was now directed at Orihime, "Grimmjow said to tell you, an eye for an eye. I suppose his whore for…" he dropped his head and grew silent.

"I'm sorry," Orihime whispered.

Toshiro looked back up and yelled, "Don't apologize to me. Your words won't bring her back!"

"Toshiro," Ulquiorra spoke with authority.

"They are desperate to find you Cain," the boy said in a rush, "But neither of us relented. I would have died as well if they had demanded it."

"Yet they let you go," Shunsui spoke up. "Are you sure no one followed you?"

"We found him in the tunnels," Ikkaku Madarame, a bald man who ran with Zaraki informed him, "The hunters were long gone. Cowardly shits," he growled, "beating a woman and a young boy."

"It concerns me that they left him," Shunsui continued, "Seemingly unharmed."

"You call that unharmed," Ikkaku pointed at Toshiro's face.

"We should reinforce the perimeter of the grounds," Jushiro ignored the bald man, "Just in case they were followed."

Ulquiorra agreed. It made sense that the hunters would not give up so easily, and the last thing he wanted was Grimmjow appearing and taking back Orihime.

"See that it is done," he replied and then spying Unohana stated, "You should tend to his injuries."

She stepped forward, but Toshiro refused to let her touch him. Looking at Ulquiorra he said angrily, "What about retribution? Why should Grimmjow's woman remain here untouched, while Rangiku was murdered so brutally?"

Ulquiorra bristled at the boy's words, "Orihime is not at fault here."

"She is the reason for all of this," the young vampire bared his teeth, his sharp fangs glistening, as he suddenly lunged for Orihime. Jushiro reached out to grab him, but not before the boy had raked her neck with his sharp claws. Blood trickled from the wound, setting all the vampires present on edge.

Toshiro, now restrained, his arms locked in Jushiro's grasp from behind, writhed back and forth trying to escape, as he screamed, "She should suffer just as much as Rangiku. Her lifeless body should be left for the hunter as a reminder of your power, Cain."

"The boy is distressed," Jushiro continued to hold back Toshiro. "He needs to rest and recover from the trauma of the night…"

"I do not need to rest," Toshiro yelled. "I need justice!"

"We've got justice for you," another vampire, Shuhei Hisagi entered the group gathered in the room; "Renji and I found this one separated from the rest of those bastards."

Renji and Shuhei were both friends of Kira, who was the first to be tortured by the hunters since Orihime had entered the story, and Ulquiorra knew that the two often spent time drinking with Rangiku. They had ample reason to seek revenge as well.

Renji carried a small girl over his shoulder. Her head was covered so as to prevent her from identifying her surroundings, but her foul mouth was left unencumbered, as was evident by the crude language spewing forth as the vampire tossed her unceremoniously on the ground at Ulquiorra's feet."

"This one belongs to Starrk," Shuhei spoke softly as he removed the cover from her head. "If you want retribution, she will do just fine."

"Fuck you, you blood sucking freak," the small blonde yelled. Her hands were bond together but she rose to her feet and turned her glare on Ulquiorra. "If it isn't the great Cain," she spat, "You don't look so intimidating. I guess Grimmjow really did beat your ass good the other night."

"Oh my," Jushiro called out to the girl, "Someone should teach you some manners."

"Save it gramps," she replied sarcastically. "I don't need good manners when dealing with shits like you."

Behind him Orihime gasped and rushing forward called out the girl's name. Ulquiorra grabbed her at the last minute and held her several inches away from the foul-mouthed child. The scent of her blood from the earlier attack by Toshiro tickled his senses, and he winced from the painful desire the blood-lust stirred within him.

"You have to let her go," Orihime pleaded. "She's just a child."

"So was Hanataro," Renji stated.

"And look at Toshiro," Ikkaku added. "Hunters care nothing for our kind. Why should we play by any moral code when they continue to break it?"

"There's a difference…" Orihime started, but Toshiro sprang forward, breaking the hold Jushiro had on him.

Shunsui quickly snatched him in another hold before he could harm Orihime again. The boy angrily yelled, "A difference? What difference would that be? Do we deserve life any less then them?"

"You're goddamn vampires," the blonde child, Lilynette shot back. "You're all fucking abominations."

"Someone shut her up," Zaraki spoke, "Before I cut out her tongue."

Orihime gasped loudly. Turning to face Ulquiorra she pleaded, "Please don't hurt her."

Ulquiorra knew that if he allowed the girl to live, the others would revolt, and he needed their loyalty. Still, if he allowed her to die, then Orihime would truly see him as nothing more than a monster.

"What would you have me do, Orihime?" He asked softly, his lips pressed close to her ear. The proximity to her injury left him breathless as he struggled with his craving to lick the blood that still trickled down her neck.

She hesitated only a moment before saying, "If you desire retribution than take it from me. It's like Toshiro said, this is my fault, not Lilynette's."

"Do you realize what you are saying?" Ulquiorra released her and stared in disbelief, his lust momentarily doused. Around them the room grew silent. She nodded at him and then looked to Lilynette.

"My life for hers," she stated boldly.

"Shit," Zaraki swore, "What is it about these women throwing their lives away to protect fucking brats like this kid…"

"Or that bastard Grimmjow," Ikkaku interrupted.

Orihime stiffened beside Ulquiorra which caused Zaraki to laugh.

"Surely you know that story," the tall man smiled menacingly.

She struggled in Ulquiorra's grasp and replied, "Grimmjow's mother was turned by Cain…"

"That bitch went willingly," Zaraki stepped closer to where she stood.

"Enough!" Ulquiorra yelled, but instantly regretted it as his throat burned painfully.

"Shit," the tall man said, "The woman should know. She's no different. Grimmjow's mother was even willing to kill her own husband to keep that brat safe."

"And the asshole thanks her by cutting off her head," Renji entered the conversation.

"All without a thank you for saving my life," Ikkaku nodded towards the other vampire.

"Ungrateful shit," Zaraki crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"I said enough," Ulquiorra croaked. "This is not about Grimmjow."

"No," Jushiro spoke calmly, "This is about Rangiku, and all the others who have fallen by such cruel methods as the hunters now employ."

"You should kill them both," Zaraki stated. "Hell, if Cain doesn't want her, we could give the miniature bitch to Yachiru. She usually gets the guppies anyways."

Lilynette turned and glared at Zaraki, not intimidated in the least.

"I'd slit that bitches' throat in a minute."

Zaraki bent down and glared at the blonde.

"You touch her and no plea will spare you."

"I believe this is getting out of hand," Jushiro looked to Cain. "I suggest you send the girl back. Show the hunters that we are the more civilized group. And once back with them she can relate to Grimmjow how his woman took her place. That up until now Orihime had remained untouched due to your good graces, but his actions tonight have cost her dearly."

Ulquiorra stood silent as he thought it all over. Finally he spoke, his voice a whisper, "I agree. Return the child," he directed to Renji and Shuhei. "And once we have rested, we will decide the best course of action to deal with these hunters once and for all."

His words seemed enough for now, and the others dispersed, each tending to their needs. He was left alone with Orihime, and once more his senses focused on the smell of her blood. His weakened body longed for satiation and his fangs began to grow against his will, as he stepped closer to her. His rational mind was unable to break free of the hold her blood had over his body. She had offered herself to him, had she not? And his injuries were the fault of her lover and creation, Grimmjow.

He faced her, eyes unseeing as he leaned in and ran his tongue over her neck. He could feel the rapid beat of her heart as her pulse raced beneath his touch, but more intoxicating was the taste of her blood. And in that moment all his self-control fled as he lost himself to the hunger of his blood-lust.