Title: The Pain That Binds Us

Author: disnaly

Main Pairing: Inoue Orihime x Cifer Ulquiorra.

Minor Pairings: Mentions of Kuchiki Rukia x Kurosaki Ichigo, Matsumoto Rangiku x Ichimaru Gin, Urahara Kisuke x Shihoun Yoruichi, Aizen Sosuke x Hinamori Momo.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the original Bleach characters or the Bleach franchise.

Warning: Mentions and mild descriptions of violence. Hints at mature themes.

A/N: Each chapter will contain ten snippets, all in varying lengths. These take place before and throughout Orihime's captivity. The events are written in chronological order and do not follow the events of the anime.

Summary: In a world where Soulmates can feel each other's pain, Orihime was born with a Numb heart.

The Pain That Binds Us

Snippet Story

Soulmates were bonded in ways only other Soulmates could understand. They had a sixth sense, special eyes that could see something that others couldn't. A Bonded Soul always recognized other Bonded Soul even if they had met for the very first time.

(LXXXXI)

The Espada continued on with their fights.

It was soon clear to everyone present that a majority were there simply for the battle; not many cared for their master. It was no surprise that none stepped forward when the Hokyokou was torn away from his body and soul.

(LXXXXII)

Orihime felt all the souls that the Hokyokou contained. They whispered and cried in her ears, talking in a language only I can understand.

Orihime listened patiently, as she always did and one by one began freeing them from their prisons.

(LXXXXIII)

She continued on even when her vision blurred and sweat trailed down her face. She continued on even when she felt what little reitsu she had being depleted. She had every intention of destroying the stone, regardless of the state she ended up in by the time she finished.

(LXXXXIV)

Aizen had realized that true gravity of the situation he was in. Still mid-fight, he began a forbidden incantation. Urahara seemed to realize what it was because his eyes widened, a sound of surprise escaping him.

He glanced over his shoulder to where Orihime was seated, before turning his gaze back to his once comrade. Though he swore he would never let Aizen through, he felt his resolve waver.

(LXXXXV)

Once again, Aizen looked over his shoulder.

"Ulquiorra!"

This time, his dog answered.

(LXXXXVI)

Kisuke looked over too, seeing the Espada ready his stance. Ulquiorra unsheathed his sword, his eyes shadowed enough that Urahara couldn't read his next move.

The Espada lunged for an attack and Urahara took a few steps away from Aizen, waiting for the incoming attack. The former captain turned towards Orihime and laughed.

(LXXXXVII)

The sound was cut short by the sword that suddenly impaled his chest from behind. A sword that shone mercilessly in the sunlight, before twisted around Aizen's flesh.

Blood dribbled down his chin and he looked over his shoulder. He met unforgiving, emerald green eyes.

(LXXXXVIII)

Once again, the battlefield fell silent, this time in sheer disbelief. Even the Espada paused in their fights, looking down with wide eyes and sharp inhales, as one of their own comrades turned his back on them.

(LXXXXIX)

"Ulquiorra?"

(C)

Urahara was the first one to get over his shock. As Aizen still struggled to form words, the shop keeper dashed forward, impaling his own sword just beside the one that was already there.

"How long can you hold him, Urahara Kisuke?"

A voice asked between them; a voice so cold it made Urahara shudder. Looking at its owner, Urahara swallowed.

"A few minutes."

The Espada nodded, before pulling his weapon out. He leapt away, creating some distance between them. Holding out his sword, he took his stance again. The cold reitsu that began to surround him made Urahara pale.

A soft voice, as cutting as his blade echoed in the silence.

"Enclose, Murcielago."

A/N: Thank you so much for reading!! Hehe, so Ulquiorra seems to have made his choice, huh? How do you think that's going to end up? Well or nah? I would love to hear what you think!!

A/N#2: On a second note, once again, I am apologizing if Aizen comes off OOC and kinda weak in the following chapters. I swear I'm trying my best but can't seem to get it right :'( So please bear with me this time.

Thanks again for reading and giving this pairing a chance!!