Ulquiorra considered the brief burst of rain curious, but of no real concern. He saw an opening, and used sonido to step into range and strike, aiming to put his hand through Axel's heart and end this once and for all.

When he struck, all he got was a a sharp pain through the joints of his fingers. It was like striking against solid rock.

Except Ulquiorra could do that against solid rock and punch a hole through it.

He pulled back, quickly, not wanting to remain in range for a retaliatory blow.